Overview
A poignant exploration of love and disillusionment during a European getaway.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- bittersweet
- wistful
- sophisticated
- classic movie night
- quiet evening
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a finely acted, smoothly constructed, emotionally perceptive adaptation elevated by William Wyler’s direction and its gifted cast.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Sam and Fran’s European second honeymoon makes their growing emotional separation increasingly visible.
Fran pursues youthfulness and acceptance among frivolous socialites while maintaining an appearance of a successful marriage.
The couple moves through European travel destinations and elite social circles where new relationships reshape their marriage.
Samuel Goldwyn Productions and William Wyler present the story through controlled studio craft and sustained, naturalistic performances.
Films like Dodsworth, and why
The Awful Truth
adult marital drama examining emotional estrangement, infidelity, and the possibility of renewal with sophisticated dialogue
The Philadelphia Story
bittersweet romantic drama about marriage, social performance, and self-discovery among affluent adults
Brief Encounter
classic relationship drama balancing romantic disillusionment with an emotionally hopeful perspective
The Women
socially observant drama of marriage, status, and changing expectations presented through polished studio filmmaking
Movie Details
- Director
- William Wyler
- Release Date
- 1936-09-23
- Runtime
- 101 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (151)
Cast
- Walter Huston
- Ruth Chatterton
- Paul Lukas
- Mary Astor
- David Niven
- Gregory Gaye
- Maria Ouspenskaya
- Odette Myrtil
- Spring Byington
- Harlan Briggs
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Dodsworth about?
- A retired automobile magnate’s European honeymoon becomes a searching test of marriage, status, aging, and the courage to begin again.
- What is Dodsworth like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Dodsworth as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Dodsworth violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Dodsworth.
- What did critics think of Dodsworth?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a finely acted, smoothly constructed, emotionally perceptive adaptation elevated by William Wyler’s direction and its gifted cast.
- Which films are like Dodsworth?
- Films with a similar feel include The Awful Truth, The Philadelphia Story, Brief Encounter, and The Women.
- How long is Dodsworth?
- Dodsworth runs 101 minutes.
- Where can I watch Dodsworth?
- In United States, Dodsworth streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
