Now, Voyager

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Now, Voyager

1942

1h 57m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

34 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Boston heiress Charlotte Vale (Bette Davis) is a neurotic mess, largely because of her domineering mother (Gladys Cooper). But after a stint in a sanatorium where she receives the attention of Dr. Asquith (Claude Rains), Charlotte comes out of her shell and elects to go on a cruise. Aboard ship, she meets Jerry (Paul Henreid) and falls in love, despite his being married. They enjoy a brief tryst in Rio before returning to the States, where Charlotte struggles to forget him and find happiness.

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Critics Consensus

Now, Voyager is a Hollywood swooner with Bette Davis and Paul Henreid in a melodrama to end all melomers.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

Jul 21, 2022

Davis gives a captivating career-high turn as Charlotte Vale...

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

Aug 4, 2021

5/5

This film is exquisitely crafted and passionately acted.

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Age Staff

The Age (Australia)

Nov 19, 2020

Bette Davis, as the neurotic daughter, Claude Rains, the doctor, and Paul Henreid, combine to make a fine production.

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Lexi Amoriello

Movie Recs by Lex

Jul 11, 2026

I feel like the biggest life lesson from this film is the importance of tryin to be the person you needed when you were younger.

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Chance Solem-Pfeifer

Willamette Week

Mar 19, 2026

It sounds silly until you see the way that Davis, as would-be spinster Charlotte Vale, marshals her one-of-a-kind face and one-of-a-kind facial control to animate anxiety, guilt and liberation with mouth posture and eye contact.

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Jorge Luis Borges

Sur

Dec 15, 2021

It was directed by a certain Irving Rapper, who, quite possibly, may not be a fool. Unfortunately, this is how they degrade the tragic heroine of The Little Foxes, The Letter, Of Human Bondage.

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Alain E

@AlainE Jul 6, 2026

This is terrible and has not aged well at all. But because of Bette Davis everyone ahs and oohs. In the beginning the mother is a cartoonish evil influence who forces Davis to wear glasses that she doesn’t need. Davis is a secret smoker who throws her stubs in the waste basket of her room to hide it. Apparently at the time cigarettes did not smell. After her stay in the psychiatric clinic she gets transformed into a real star and goes on a cruise. For me this was the time to wish her Bon Voyage! Interestingly, Rotten Tomatoes provides the review of the great Jorge Luis Borges who was not impressed. So, at least I am in good company. On Tubi.

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Scott R

@grouch0-39 Feb 19, 2026

Huge surprise. I didn't think I'd like it due to it being a 1940s romance. Mostly watched it to see Betty Davis' performance. But the story was great and totally captured me. A mature, non-traditional, creative love story. A different kind of love than most films of that period. Glad I took chance and watched it.

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Perry N H

@Paras224 Jan 15, 2026

I can watch t again and again Bette Davis shines; one of her best

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Patrick S

@PatrickStruik Jan 2, 2026

Sublime Bette Davis.

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Holly W

@RT75523770 Oct 18, 2025

Bette Davis shows how's done. Brilliant acting, allows the audience to understand the character with guess what! Acting! A captivating storyline that graps the viewer. Hollywood at it's best.

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Ann G

@RT29501091 Oct 8, 2025

What a fascinating Cinderella story, except the wicked stepmother is her own mother. Her big reveal shot on the cruise ship is a juicy moment. The complex behaviors and emotions of Davis, her mother and her married lover makes for an unpredictable ending.

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Irving Rapper

Director

Bette Davis

Charlotte Vale

Claude Rains

Dr. Jaquith

Paul Henreid

Jerry Durrance

Gladys Cooper

Mrs. Henry Windle Vale

Bonita Granville

June Vale

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Synopsis

Boston heiress Charlotte Vale (Bette Davis) is a neurotic mess, largely because of her domineering mother (Gladys Cooper). But after a stint in a sanatorium where she receives the attention of Dr. Asquith (Claude Rains), Charlotte comes out of her shell and elects to go on a cruise. Aboard ship, she meets Jerry (Paul Henreid) and falls in love, despite his being married. They enjoy a brief tryst in Rio before returning to the States, where Charlotte struggles to forget him and find happiness.

Director: Irving Rapper
Producer: Hal B. Wallis
Screenwriter: Olive Higgins Prouty, Casey Robinson
Production Co: Warner Brothers
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 22, 1942, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 1, 2009
Runtime: 1h 57m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: 35mm

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