How others will see it. Those who love classic films, classic literature, or costume dramas will enjoy Anthony Adverse. It's an entertaining film, and although a bit long and over-plotted, it provides interesting characters and situations.
How I felt about it. It's a good movie, which is high praise from me, given that the large majority of highly regarded films that I watch grade only in the 40s and 50s. True, March is tediously noble, save for a brief experience as a mercenary slave trader with an evil but hot African mistress. The supporting characters are much more entertaining, enough to make up for the dull lapses of the title role.
I was surprised by the scandalous character of Adverse's mother. She's not noble at all, cheating on her sick husband, taking advantage of his wealth but only showing contempt for her husband. Yet she reveals to him the name of her lover, without her husband (Rains) even resorting to petty threats or violence.
Another surprise was that Adverse was willing to become a slave trader, even remaining in Africa after his obligations there were finished. He eventually repents, of course, but it is hard to imagine such behavior from a Dickens hero.
While the whole story is loaded with schemers and scandals, none of these deter the reputation of the Catholic Church. The priests are heroic, especially Brother Francois (Pedro de Cordoba), who is determined to save the lives of crippled slaves.
de Havilland's role is regretfully small, and its doubtful her operatic soprano singing voice belongs to her.
Curiously, the production code does not punish the wrongdoings of Rains and his scheming mistress. Indeed, both characters thrive, despite their wicked ways. In a final surprise, the ending is not exactly happy. Adverse's fortune appears likely to be recovered, but although Anthony has his wife's heart, her body belongs to Napolean Bonaparte.