Kitty (1945)

In the heart of 1783 London, renowned artist Thomas Gainsborough unveils his latest masterpiece, "The Anonymous Lady," a portrait that enraptures the city, not just for its artistry, but for the breathtaking beauty of its enigmatic subject. The woman behind the canvas, however, is none other than Kitty, a spirited and vivacious girl from the city’s underbelly. Her true identity is a secret known only to Gainsborough and Sir Hugh Marcy, who was present in the studio when Kitty served as the muse. Among the throngs enamored by the portrait is the aging Duke of Malmunster, Fitzwilliam, who ironically, had previously dismissed Hugh from his post at the Foreign Office, replacing him with his own nephew. Inspired by the Duke's fascination and with the assistance of his perpetually tipsy aunt, Lady Susan Dowitt, Hugh devises a plan. He aims to transform the cockney tongued Kitty into a refined lady, complete with an impressive backstory, and marry her off to the Duke. The machinations serve a dual purpose - to help Kitty reinstate Hugh at the Foreign Office, and primarily, to settle scores with the Duke for his earlier dismissal. Under the tutelage of Hugh and Lady Susan, Kitty emerges as the elegant Lady Kitty Gordon. However, she has a rebellious streak, and there is only so much she will endure before breaking free. As the circumstances surrounding Kitty, Hugh, and Lady Susan shift dramatically, Kitty takes matters into her own hands, driving the plan in a direction no one anticipates. She is propelled by a singular aim, fueled by her hope that someone might recognize her sacrifices and help her find her own version of happiness. But the line between Kitty's imagined world and reality blurs, leading her to a crossroads where fantasy and reality collide. In the vibrant backdrop of 18th Century London, Kitty, a fiery slum girl, finds herself in a tangle of art, deception, and nobility. As she navigates the maze of social maneuvering, she discovers that matrimony might have its own uses and that becoming a lady might be a formidable, yet not impossible task. The tale is a rich tapestry of intrigue and identity, punctuated with Kitty’s audacious spirit and a generous dose of décolletage.

Kitty is a drama movie featuring William H. O'Brien and directed by Mitchell Leisen.

Kitty is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.