The Women has been declawed. Released in 1939 and starring Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell, Norma Shearer and others, “The Women” is one of the cinema’s grand catfights. It’s also sexist, and in response writer-director Diane English has removed any trace of vindictiveness. Whereas Crawford and company went after each other’s throats (and husbands), the awkward foursome of Meg Ryan, Annette Benning, Debra Messing and Jada Pinkett Smith mostly share giggles and tearful hugs. These women haven’t only been declawed, they’ve been spayed and neutered.
