‘Portrait of Jennie’: Art Is Lifeless Without Love

This film adaptation of Robert Nathan’s novella ponders life, death, faith, truth, and hope.

Jennie Appleton (Jennifer Jones) poses for Eben Adams (Joseph Cotten), in "Portrait of Jennie." Vanguard Films/MovieStillsDB

NR | 1h 26m | Drama | 1948

Struggling landscape artist Eben Adams (Joseph Cotten) finds no public enthusiasm for his work. Support does come from the companionship of his friend Gus O’Toole (David Wayne) and the patronage of art dealers Miss Spinney (Ethel Barrymore) and her partner Matthews (Cecil Kellaway).