The Old Maid is a 1939 American drama film directed by Edmund Goulding and starring Bette Davis, Miriam Hopkins, and George Brent. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Edith Wharton.
The story takes place in the 19th century and revolves around Delia Lovell (Bette Davis) and her cousin Charlotte Lovell (Miriam Hopkins). Delia is in love with Jim Ralston (George Brent), who is Charlotte's fiancé. Due to circumstances beyond her control, Delia is forced to break off her engagement with Jim and he leaves town.
Years later, Jim returns to town, now a wealthy and successful man. Delia is now a successful businesswoman and is engaged to marry an older, wealthy man. Charlotte is married with a young daughter. It is revealed that Jim had an affair with a woman he met while traveling abroad and they have a child together. The child is brought to town and Delia takes it in as her own to spare Jim any scandal.
The child's presence causes tension and drama between the cousins, as Delia and Jim still harbor feelings for one another. Charlotte becomes jealous of Delia's close relationship with the child and her loyalty to Jim. Eventually, the truth about the child's parentage is revealed, and Delia, Jim, and Charlotte must come to terms with their complicated relationships with each other.
The Old Maid was a critical and commercial success, earning Bette Davis an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The film received praise for its performances, direction, and screenplay, and remains a classic of 1930s Hollywood cinema.