Movie Monday: Waterloo Bridge (1940)

Today I want to review a classic film that is highly underrated in many ways. Waterloo Bridge (1940) is a sleeper of a classic movie, and it has a lot of love story elements that would later be used in films to follow. There are a lot of other interesting aspects to this storyline that I want to dig into on this review, so lets get started!

If you are looking for a feel good film, Waterloo Bridge is not the movie you are going to want to watch. I hate to be the one to point the story for you, but since this movie was made in 1940, I feel like it is safe to say the ending is pretty well known. This is a tragedy, plain and simple.

Many of the elements in the story of this film can be found in the tragedies from classic literature and plays. Waterloo Bridge is a great film for those who consider themselves hopeless romantics. The plot is absolutely haunting and it will stick with you until you see another romantic film, and even thin you mind will still come back to Waterloo Bridge.

This is a bit of a historical film when you think about it, too! Of course, this movie was made around the World War II era, and that means this tragic love story was made in that era as well. In that way, Waterloo Bridge reminds me of Mrs. Miniver from 1942. Personally I think that film took a lot of cues from Waterloo Bridge.

Believe it or not, Waterloo Bridge is an actual location in London, United Kingdom. I know this because of the trip to London I made back in November of 2018! There was a Waterloo Bridge Tube station (that’s the underground public transportation in England) location. So, seeing all of the iconic London imagery and signage made me enjoy Waterloo Bridge even more.

I think Vivien Leigh is one of the most talented Old Hollywood actresses of all time. Exhibit A, is A Streetcar Named Desire with the legendary Marlon Brando. Exhibit B, Waterloo Bridge.

Although Leigh was recognized for her talent most of the time, I feel like she was still held back in many ways. Whatever the reason, I am not sure but I know that there was something more there that Leigh could have given to the world. But for what we have in the films she made, I am thankful.

Last but not least, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fashion of this film. Waterloo Bridge mixed the perfect amount of elegance and business to create the perfect wardrobe for a leading lady. I absolutely love the hats that Vivien Leigh’s character wore in this movie, and all of the suits are simply gorgeous!

If you feel like crying, give Waterloo Bridge a try. It is also a perfect film for a date night or even Valentine’s Day!

Much Love,

Sarah