Film Studies Archive

Relationships

From the British Film Resource archiveThis page is part of the site's original film-studies collection and is preserved as an archive text. Historical references and contemporary observations may reflect the period in which the study was written.

The Stars Look Down

Relationships

Also in The Stars Look Down there is Davey's relationship with Jenny. This is a marriage riddled with conflict. Conflicting aspirations were apparent before they were married. Davey's class commitment clashes with Jenny's view that she was born 'to be a lady'. Jenny is completely unsupportive of her husband, and has no time for his family or the community. This conflict becomes physical when Davey hits her. In the end Jenny is adulterous and the marriage breaks down completely.

This state of affairs contrasts sharply with the relationship between Emlyn and Gwen in The Proud Valley. This relationship is as united as Davey and Jenny's is divided. Even the threat of financial hardship is not enough to deter Gwen who states 'it's good enough for me'. The happiness of their union is implied the last time that we see them, standing together happily outside the reopened pit.