Directed by Charles (King) Vidor.
1946, Columbia Pictures, 111 min.
Gilda..................................Rita Hayworth
Johnny Farrell.......................Glenn Ford
Ballin Mundson.....................George MacReady
Uncle Pio............................Steven Geray
Picture: http://users.deltanet.com/users/dstickne/poster.htm
Back to Table of Contents
Back to Table of Contents
Here is Gilda at the beginning of the movie, in full control (analysis by Casey Albert):
Gilda possesses amazing feminine sensuality that she uses as a tool to obtain what
she wants. As a woman in the 1940s her only power is the physical power that she holds over men. By taking on a
flirty, carefree overtly sexual character she is able to manipulate and control men.
This is seen especially the first time Gilda appears, as she suggestively flips her
hair over and becomes the object of intense staring by Johnny as well as the camera and
the movie-goer. As Johnny stares dumbfounded, the viewer too is caught under Gilda's
spell. We are not only witnesses to, but victims of the power that she can obtain from
her sensuality."
Back to Table of Contents
"Despite Gilda's seductive power that lures Johnny in, once she is married to him,
it is impossible for her ever to escape his domination. The full picture of Johnny's
wrath and Gilda's loss of all power are seen in the hotel scene, when Gilda begs him to
release her. She is emotionally wrecked, in contrast to the composed dominating man.
When Gilda lies at his feet sobbing and pleading with him to let her go, he clearly
holds her life in his hands. Despite the apparent control that she possessed over him
earlier in the movie, his control and domination overpowers her as he determines her
fate."
Back to Table of Contents
"Amado Mio" by Doris Fisher and Allan Roberti sung by Anita Ellis (on screen Rita Hayworth)
"Put the Blame on Mame" by Doris Fisher and Allan Roberti sung by Anita Ellis (on
screen Rita Hayworth) danced by Rita Hayworth
Back to Table of Contents
Back to
Strong Women Homepage