Drama
United States of America
The Great Lie is a romantic drama film released in 1941. The story revolves around a newlywed couple, Sandra Kovak (played by Mary Astor) and Peter Van Allen (played by George Brent), who are happily in love. However, Peter's ex-girlfriend, Maggie Patterson (played by Bette Davis), is still in love with him and tries to break up their marriage.
One day, Peter goes on a business trip and is reported dead after his plane crashes. Sandra is devastated, but her grief turns into shock when she finds out that Maggie is pregnant with Peter's child. To make matters worse, Peter's will leaves all of his money to Maggie and their unborn child. Sandra is left with nothing.
Determined to take care of the child, Sandra offers to raise the baby as her own and challenges Maggie to live with her and help raise the child. However, Maggie starts to feel guilty when she realizes that Sandra truly cares for her unborn child and that Peter had always loved her more.
The situation is further complicated when Peter is discovered to be alive and returning home. Sandra and Maggie must decide who gets to keep the child and which relationship they truly want to pursue.
The Great Lie was directed by Edmund Goulding, and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Mary Astor's performance. The film did well at the box office and was praised for its strong female characters and emotional storyline.
