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 At the end of the 19th Century, women were not encouraged to get an education. They were not expected to have a career. Yet Marie Sklodowska of Poland sought both and achieved greatness beyond anyone's imagination. Madame Curie (1943) depicts a few chapters in Marie's illustrious life. This biopic is, of course, based on the story of the couple who discovered radium and received the Noble Prize for their efforts. Madame Curie, the movie, is really the couple's love story and stars Greer Garson, Walter Pidgeon, Henry Travers, Van Johnson and Margaret O'Brian.
Greer Garson and
Walter Pidgeon
As a student of physics and mathematics at the Sorbonne in Paris, Marie (Greer Garson) lands the coveted position of an assistant in the laboratory of esteemed professor and scientist Pierre Curie. Extremely intelligent yet socially inept, Curie (Walter Pidgeon) declares that life is a struggle against women. "She's a distraction. A natural enemy of science," Curie said about her.
Yet when Marie graduates and plans to return to Poland to teach, Curie asks her to remain in Paris, to marry him. How wonderfully they work together, he expounds. What a great team they will make. He flusters and blusters and flounders, and then Marie accepts with aplomb and off they are on their adventure toward greatness.
Greer Garson and Van Johnson
This biopic is, of course, based on the story of the couple who discovered radium and received the Noble Prize for their efforts. But Madame Curie, the movie, is really the couple's love story. Their scientific endeavor is merely a backdrop to show how much they cared for each other.
Almost 70 years old, this film stands the test of time. A story of love and of perseverance, of dedication to one's mate while never losing sight of goals and ideals with a theme that will never grow old; their scientific endeavor is merely a backdrop to show how much they cared for each other.
 Madame Curie received seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Actor. The film was fairly close to the real facts, so it should be watched with an eye toward history. However, the main reason to see Madame Curie is to watch the beautiful romance unfold. Pidgeon (Mrs. Miniver, 1942 - The Last Time I Saw Paris, 1954) is wonderful as the love-struck professor, and Garson (Goodbye Mr. Chips, 1939 - Mrs. Miniver, 1942) has the bearing of a princess. Theirs is an ideal pairing, and both deserved their Oscar nominations.
Director: Mervyn LeRoy
Screenplay: Paul Osborn and Paul H. Rameau from the book by Eve Curie
Cast: Greer Garson, Walter Pidgeon, Henry Travers, Van Johnson, Margaret O'Brian
Rating: Not Rated. (Suitable for all ages)
Classic Movie Guide Rating: 4 ˝ out of 5 stars
Run Time: 124 minutes
Studio: MGM
Format: Black & White, Full Frame
Photo credits: MGM
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