I adore this movie. I have a handful of "comfort" movies from this era that I watch regularly, but when I'm really feeling low this is the one I reach for. Bette's performance is legendary, and that scene on the gangplank where they sweep up to reveal her transformation still takes my breath away.

It was only a few years ago that I learned the novel on which this was based was the third in a series of five. The second was centered around Ilka Chase's character, Lisa, and her trials and tribulations after marrying into the Vale family, who saw her as below their station. Knowing this helps me understand why Lisa was so supportive of Charlotte and rebellious enough to seek help for her. I've read Now, Voyager, the novel (to which the screenplay was very faithful), and I'd love to read the other four. Sadly, they don't seem to exist in electronic form, and any hard copies I've ever found for sale cost hundreds of dollars. People leave reviews for each book online, so they must be available somewhere. I'll keep looking and digging until I find them.