Sailing Through "Now Voyager" Trivia Quiz

Answer: Her abuser is her mother.

Gladys Cooper (1888-1971) gives a tour de force performance as the cruel and domineering mother. Her character is stern, unloving and intentionally creates fear and doubt into her daughter, Charlotte. Romances are destroyed, independence is frowned upon and eventually Charlotte is depressed, unattractive and nearly suicidal.

Answer: Charlotte carves ivory on boxes.

The doctor is impressed with Charlotte's skill at carving ivory. Starved for recognition, she reacts in a self-deprecating manner and soon realizes that Dr. Jaquith is sincere. From that point on, Charlotte develops respect for him and eventually works with him to become more independent and well.
Today the sale and use of ivory is highly restricted, but the events of the film predate our realization of our responsibilities to endangered species.

Answer: Her niece, June

Bonita Granville (1923-1988) plays June, the cruel niece of Charlotte. June teases 'Poor aunt Charlotte' and enjoys it. June is young, beautiful and selfish and all the things Charlotte is not. It is during one of June's abusive tirades against Charlotte that the inevitable breakdown begins.

Answer: The psychiatrist, Dr. Jaquith

Claude Rains (1889-1967) plays the part of her psychiatrist, Dr. Jaquith. The psychiatrist is an important character because much of Charlotte's future happiness results from his professional concern, gentle manner and guidance. Mr. Rains combines all of these qualities clearly and with his usual subtle charm. Perhaps he used his experience as an acting coach to help him develop the character. Claude Rains taught acting at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Answer: Walt Whitman

The poem, is by Walt Whitman (1819-1892). It is entitled, "The Untold Want". In a final session, Dr. Jaquith shares these lines with Charlotte. He says "If old Walt didn't write this for you, he wrote it for many like you". In the next scene, Charlotte begins her journey to a happier life.

Answer: She meets Jeremiah Duveaux Durrance.

Jeremiah Duveaux Durrance, or Jerry, is played by Paul Henreid (1908-1992). The character is complex because, since he is married, the audience is set to dislike his relationship with Charlotte. Paul Henreid plays him as a quietly suffering gentleman, who is drawn to Charlotte more as a friend than a lover.

Their love deepens slowly and soon each of them chooses to forsake passion for another character's well being.

Answer: The Christ of the Andes

The cruise ship pulls into the harbor of Rio de Janiero in Brazil. Charlotte points to the Christ of the Andes that even today looks out over the city. She tells Jerry "This should warm your architect's heart".

Answer: Charlotte is beautiful, charming and assertive.

Upon her return from the cruise, Charlotte's older brothers and their wives come for dinner. Her mother tries to intimidate and control her again. At that moment, flowers arrive from Jerry and Charlotte is able to carry on with dignity. The family is shocked by her weight loss, her beautiful black gown and her new decisive personality.

It is poignant when Charlotte's sister-in-law tells her, "You'd fit in anywhere".

Answer: The patient is Jerry's daughter.

Charlotte's relationship with Jerry has been platonic, though their feelings for each other are serious. Jerry, after all, is married. When Charlotte meets his daughter, who is suffering from depression, as she had been, her maternal instincts are aroused. Dr. Jaquith allows Charlotte to befriend Tina but Jerry and Charlotte must not cross any physical boundaries if Charlotte is to continue helping Tina.

They agree to not see each other for Tina's sake.

Answer: "Let's not ask for the moon. We have the stars".

Many find this somewhat overly romanticized ending too sweet. However its beauty is in these two people, who really love each other, sacrificing passion to benefit another. This quality of true love and mutual respect adds to the tender beauty of the film.