Expert: Jim Kason - 4/15/2010

Question
Re Madame X:
I saw a version of this film in around 1971 on the TV in England.  I was greatly moved by it, and when Video and DVDs were invented, I was keen to buy a copy.
However, despite all my research, I seem unable to find the version I recall.  My memory may be wrong - can you help?

I know about the Gladys George version, and I do not think it was the one.  I know about the Lana Turner version, in fact I have a copy, it is in colour, and I do not think it is the one.  The fifties version is less moving.

I thought the version I saw, black and white, was made in the forties and starred Lana Turner.  Her filmography tells me I am wrong.

Once, a few years ago, I found reference to a film called The Legend of Madame X, but now cannot find any reference to it at all.

How can it be so hard to find information on such a well known and often re made film?

Am I just imagining that there is another version out there?

Thanks,
Sue

Answer
Hi Sue,

Received your fascinating question, and have been trying to find an answer for you.  I'm pretty sure that there were only three well-known
filmings of  Madame X,....  (the first in 1929 with Ruth Chatterton), and of course the Gladys George 1937 film, and the Lana Turner 1966 version.

There WAS an updated  (for the time) version made for TV in 1981, starring, of all actresses, Tuesday Weld.

Can't find anything else.  (Of course, Lana made "similar" films, like "Imitation Of Life" and "Portrait in Black".)

Perhaps one of the other experts can come up with something for you,...if you post your question again.

Sincerely,

Jim K