Watch The Great Man's Lady

The Great Man's Lady is a 1941 American romantic drama film directed by William A. Wellman and starring Barbara Stanwyck, Joel McCrea, and Brian Donlevy. The film tells the story of a woman named Hannah Sempler, who in her old age reminisces about her life and her relationships with two men: her first love, Ethan Hoyt, and her husband, a famous pioneer and politician named 'Diamond Jim' Kincaid.

The film opens with an elderly Hannah Sempler, now a renowned artist, being visited by a group of school children who are curious about her life. She tells them about her youth, when she lived in a small town called Deptford with her mother and sister. It was there that she met Ethan Hoyt, a shy but good-hearted man who stole her heart. Despite their apparent differences in social class, they fell in love and planned to elope. However, their plans were thwarted when their carriage was waylaid, and Ethan is presumed dead. Hannah is heartbroken and moves to Chicago, where she eventually meets and marries Jim Kincaid, who becomes a famous politician and businessman.

Throughout most of their marriage, Hannah is unable to forget Ethan and continues to think of him. Despite her love for Jim, she remains haunted by memories of her childhood love. At the same time, Jim becomes increasingly ambitious and ruthless in his business dealings, which leads to tensions and conflicts in their marriage. In the end, Hannah realizes that she has always loved Ethan and decides to dedicate the rest of her life to his memory.

The Great Man's Lady is notable for its non-linear narrative structure, which intercuts between different time periods in Hannah's life, ranging from her childhood to her present day as an elderly woman. It also features several flashbacks and dream sequences, which add to the film's dreamlike and introspective quality. The film also features beautiful cinematography by William C. Mellor and a haunting musical score by Victor Young.

Barbara Stanwyck delivers a powerful performance as Hannah Sempler, conveying both her internal struggles and her quiet strength. Joel McCrea plays Ethan Hoyt with a gentle and understated charm, while Brian Donlevy is excellent as Jim Kincaid, bringing a sense of charisma and menace to his role.

Overall, The Great Man's Lady is a poignant and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of love, memory, and regret. It is a rare example of a Hollywood film from this period that is anchored by a strong, complex female protagonist and challenges conventional notions of romantic love.