“Jungle Red!” Author Explains How 1939’s “The Women” Went from Being Bounced Between Writers to Becoming the ‘Hottest Thing on the Lot’ (Exclusive)

**The Cinematic Evolution of ‘The Women’: A Behind-the-Scenes Account of MGM’s 1939 Classic**

The journey from stage to screen for the 1939 film ‘The Women’ is one marked by a series of transformations that ultimately shaped this iconic production. Illeana Douglas explores this fascinating evolution in her latest book, *Jungle Red! The Making of MGM’s The Women*, which delves into the film’s complex history—from its origins as a successful play to its adaptation by a slew of influential screenwriters.

Originally a hit on Broadway in 1936, ‘The Women’ quickly captured the attention of Hollywood. However, the path to translating Clare Boothe Luce’s acclaimed play into a feature film was fraught with challenges. According to Douglas, the play was met with harsh criticism despite its popularity, significantly impacting Luce’s writing career. “While male playwrights might have seen their careers soar after such a success, Luce unfortunately faced dismissal as merely a ‘rich society lady’,” Douglas explained.

One of the initial decisions following the play’s success involved recruiting esteemed writer F. Scott Fitzgerald to pen the screenplay. Ironically, while Fitzgerald was a renowned author, his attempt to adapt the sophisticated female-centric comedy ultimately altered its essence. “He transformed the upper-class women into ‘Fitzgerald’s Women’,” Douglas remarked. Through his revisions, he notably expanded the role of the daughter, reflecting his personal experiences with his own child.

As the project changed hands, writing duties were passed among several individuals, each leaving their mark. Donald Ogden Stewart, another contributor, ventured to enhance the character of Crystal, played by Joan Crawford, shifting the tone of the narrative. The film’s trajectory took a turn once producer Hunt Stromberg decided to bring in veteran female writer Jane Murfin.

Murfin, while often uncredited, played a significant role in shaping the screenplay. Described by Douglas as a “worker bee” adept at adaptations, she faced the daunting task of navigating stringent censorship laws. “Her job was to remove controversial elements from the script,” Douglas noted, “but ultimately, her efforts rendered the script less humorous.” As a result, the wit associated with the original source material was somewhat diluted.

The directorial chair then fell to George Cukor following some unsettling backstage politics. He was left with the task of reviving the script that had lost much of its original charm and satirical edge. In a bid to rejuvenate the project, he called upon his friend Anita Loos, an accomplished writer who managed to inject fun and lively dialogue back into the script.

Cukor’s collaboration with Loos shifted the film’s focus to a satirical take that scrutinised the actresses involved. The movie, initially a sophisticated comedy, became infused with a playful ridicule that was emblematic of Cukor’s vision. Douglas states, “Cukor’s direction introduced a gay sensibility which transformed the film into an ensemble piece filled with rivalry and camaraderie.”

Casting for the film, which included an impressive 135 women, proved to be another captivating aspect of the production. Cukor’s determination to feature an all-female cast extended even to the extras and animals on set, creating a unique environment in which the rivalry between Crawford and Shearer became pivotal to the film’s allure. Douglas explains that the open acknowledgement of their tense relationship added a layer of intrigue, generating publicity that would be hard to envision in today’s cinematic climate.

“The fact that Crawford, Shearer, and the production used their animosity as a marketing tool speaks volumes about the era’s approach to celebrity and drama,” Douglas reflects. Unlike the current entertainment landscape, where feuds are often kept under wraps, the actresses openly leveraged their personal rivalries to enhance film promotion.

*Jungle Red! The Making of MGM’s The Women* not only highlights the many issues of gender and representation within the film industry but also sheds light on the myriad women who contributed behind the scenes yet remained largely unrecognised. Douglas’s exploration underscores the importance of each writer’s input, as each brought their unique perspective to the evolving narrative of ‘The Women’.

This account of the film’s making serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in adapting a work for the big screen. The legacy of ‘The Women’ is not merely one of entertainment but a reflection of societal shifts and the challenges faced by women both onscreen and off.

The book is now available for those interested in the captivating history behind this cinematic classic, revealing the untold stories of the women whose contributions defined an era in Hollywood filmmaking.