They Knew What They Wanted (1940): Besetzung, Handlung & Streaming

Released in 1940, They Knew What They Wanted is a drama and liebesfilm film directed by Garson Kanin, running about 96 minutes. “You have seen great motion pictures! We believe you have not seen a greater motion picture than this!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. When visiting San Francisco, Tony Patucci, an ageing winegrower from the Napa Valley, sees waitress Amy Peters and falls in love. Returning home, he persuades his foreman Joe, an incorrigible womanizer, to write her a letter in Tony's name. Tony's courtship by mail culminates with a proposal, and when she requests a picture of him, he sends one of Joe. Amy accepts and goes to Napa to be married. Although horrified to discover that her prospective husband is the portly Tony, she decides to go through with the marriage. However, while Tony is in bed after an accident, Amy and Joe has an affair. Two months later, as Tony plans the wedding, she discovers that she is pregnant. Upon learning this, Tony pummels Joe, who leaves the vineyards. but forgives Amy, and insists that they still be married, But she is unable to forgive herself, so she leaves with the priest who's come to marry them, while Tony looks on, hoping that she will return one day.

Who’s in it. They Knew What They Wanted stars Carole Lombard as Amy Peters, Charles Laughton as Tony Patucci, William Gargan as Joe and Harry Carey as The Doctor, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.3/10, They Knew What They Wanted has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch They Knew What They Wanted page.

If you liked it. Fans of They Knew What They Wanted tend to enjoy Die Verurteilten, Der Pate, Schindlers Liste and Der Pate - Teil II.