Portrait of Jennie
1948, Romance, 1h 26m
12 Reviews 1,000+ RatingsYou might also like
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Portrait of Jennie Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Jennie Appleton
Eben Adams
Miss Spinney
Matthews
Gus O'Toole
Moore
Critic Reviews for Portrait of Jennie
All Critics (12) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (10) | Rotten (2)
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William Dieterle's 1948 masterpiece Portrait of Jennie is not only an unabashedly romantic melodrama but also a fascinating ghost story.
June 27, 2001 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review… -
Hasn't aged well in the interim either, putting an awkward romance front-and-center that makes one wonder whose fantasy this was in the first place.
June 4, 2019 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review… -
Fine period melodrama starring Jennifer Jones and Joseph Cotten.
September 30, 2006 | Rating: 4/5 -
Honest-to-goodness romantic ghost story.
October 23, 2005 | Rating: A | Full Review… -
Quote not available.
June 19, 2005 | Rating: 3/5 -
Wonderful romantic mystery, sure to haunt your memory
November 12, 2004 | Rating: 5/5
Audience Reviews for Portrait of Jennie
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Oct 14, 2017There is an element of magic to this story, which has a struggling artist (Joseph Cotten) meeting a young girl (Jennifer Jones) in the park by chance one day. It's soon apparent that there is something different about this girl, as she mentions things from decades ago as if they were current, and ages a little each time he subsequently meets her. A romance begins to develop, fueled by artistic inspiration she gives him, as well as mystery - is she a ghost? A muse? Someone only he can see? Meanwhile, tragedy lurks. The film is gorgeous, with beautiful shots of winter in New York City, and artistic effects such as those created by spreading canvas over the camera lens. The performances are reasonably good, and it was fantastic to see Ethel Barrymore and Lillian Gish in supporting roles. There is a dreamy feel to it, as well as philosophical message of the timelessness of art and love. It's intellectual, opening with deep thoughts ("Since time began man has looked into the awesome reaches of infinity and asked the eternal question: What is time? What is life? What is space? What is death?"), quotes from Euripides and Keats, and other profundity ("This was tomorrow once..."). It's also quite romantic ("I know we were meant to be together. The strands of our lives are woven together and neither the world nor time can tear them apart"), and it may be too syrupy or cheesy for some viewers. I have to say that Director William Dieterle does lay it on pretty thick towards the end - but all in all, with aesthetic elements that touch the head and heart, I found it entertaining.Antonius B Super Reviewer
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Oct 24, 2010A painter somehow contacts the spirit of a young girl who died and falls in love with her? It's a strange story, but it makes for an interesting movie.Aj V Super Reviewer
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Mar 29, 2010I had only seen this film only the once,until recently and I recall it was on a rainy Sunday afternoon. I only started watching this film has there was not much else on, however when it had finished, i wanted to watch it again,and stayed up late so that i could watch the repeat showing.what make this stand out was the other world feeling of it,the photography,the feel of New York in a bygone era, and the music,Debussey, which is haunting adds to the overall ambiance,It is in essence a love story which transcends time and , is told with tenderness and beauty. It's mood lingers in the heart and its planes challenge the mind. It always leaves a void when the film ends and i can truly feel Ebans pain at losing Jennie. You can read into a lot of metaphorical stuff in the film and the book - cleverly done. The ending is both heartening yet crucifying,emotionally a story of two star crossed lovers, The overall realisation that through the barrier of time love is enduring and never ending, a wonderful film which is a must for all romantics out there. Highly recommended.Cassandra M Super Reviewer
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Nov 18, 2008A mysterious romantic tale of two people deeply in love. I have never seem a romantic film with so many Noir aspects. The last 10 minutes of the film had me surprised. I was not expecting a visual twist like that. The heart of this story though is about the artist inspiration a muse can give a person.Keith M Super Reviewer
Portrait of Jennie Quotes
| Jennie Appleton: | Eben . . . I want always to sit and watch you paint. |
| Jennie Appleton: | Eben... I want always to sit and watch you paint. |
| Eben Adams: | Now that I've found the perfect model, I'll paint her again and again. |
| Jennie Appleton: | No, I . . . I didn't mean that . . . I mean I want you to paint all the beautiful things in the world. |
| Jennie Appleton: | No, I... I didn't mean that... I mean I want you to paint all the beautiful things in the world. |
| Eben Adams: | [smiles, holds her tight.] You're the most beautiful thing in the world. |
| Miss Spinney: | Don't be soft, Matthews. I'm an old maid, and nobody knows more about love than an old maid. |
| Jennie Appleton: | I wish that you would wait for me to grow up so that we could always be together. |
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