This fine film of the love affair and marriage of our seventh president Andrew Jackson and his soul mate Rachel Donelson Robards might not be entirely factual but is a showcase for a beautiful Susan Hayward performance as well as one of Heston's better acting jobs.
Using Irving Stone's bestseller as its basis the film covers the couples event filled lives from first meeting to Rachel's passing. Unfortunately for them Rachel had not met Jackson first but had married a bounder named Lewis Robards at 18 who treated her badly and was constantly unfaithful. Having had enough of his ill treatment she had returned to her mother's home considering the marriage over, at this point she and Jackson became acquainted. After a failed try at reconciliation with the caddish Robards they parted permanently at which point he petitioned for divorce, an option not available to her or any woman at the time, and she and Jackson married. Robards had not properly filed thereby making her second marriage invalid, now this would be a minor matter but at the time she was scorned and vilified and branded an adulteress something that haunted the couple the rest of their lives.
Enacting this sad tale Susie and Chuck give deeply compassionate performances and work so well together it's a pity this was their only co-starring picture. He is as always a bit stiff and resolute but it actually helps in his portrayal of the infamously proud and short tempered Jackson. Susan's innate warmth thaws him out in their scenes together and they really suggest the great love the pair shared that helped them weather the many storms they had to face throughout there life together. The film is not all grim times and the flashes of humor that run through the film help strengthen it.
Good though Heston is the film belongs to Susan Hayward and she gives one of her very best performances. Not as heralded as her Oscar nominated and winning work but full of lovely touches that make Rachel a relatable and vastly sympathetic woman.
The pair are surrounded by excellent actors with Fay Bainter in her second to last theatrical feature offering a warmly gentle performance as Rachel's mother. There's also a charming vignette courtesy of Ralph Dumke and Nina Varela as a flat boat captain and his wife who are so cheery and earthy they could have had their own film to tell their story. But the real standout in the supporting cast is Ruth Attaway as the Jackson's devoted servant Moll. The character is never written down to and she comes across with Attaway's skillful playing not as servile but as a trusted confidante.
The film also has a most lovely musical score which effectively sets the proper feeling for each scene. A well made compelling film examining the lives of two important historical figures making them into real people that should interest most viewers but will be most potent for romantics. Those romantics should beware to have tissues handy during the latter part of the film.
Using Irving Stone's bestseller as its basis the film covers the couples event filled lives from first meeting to Rachel's passing. Unfortunately for them Rachel had not met Jackson first but had married a bounder named Lewis Robards at 18 who treated her badly and was constantly unfaithful. Having had enough of his ill treatment she had returned to her mother's home considering the marriage over, at this point she and Jackson became acquainted. After a failed try at reconciliation with the caddish Robards they parted permanently at which point he petitioned for divorce, an option not available to her or any woman at the time, and she and Jackson married. Robards had not properly filed thereby making her second marriage invalid, now this would be a minor matter but at the time she was scorned and vilified and branded an adulteress something that haunted the couple the rest of their lives.
Enacting this sad tale Susie and Chuck give deeply compassionate performances and work so well together it's a pity this was their only co-starring picture. He is as always a bit stiff and resolute but it actually helps in his portrayal of the infamously proud and short tempered Jackson. Susan's innate warmth thaws him out in their scenes together and they really suggest the great love the pair shared that helped them weather the many storms they had to face throughout there life together. The film is not all grim times and the flashes of humor that run through the film help strengthen it.
Good though Heston is the film belongs to Susan Hayward and she gives one of her very best performances. Not as heralded as her Oscar nominated and winning work but full of lovely touches that make Rachel a relatable and vastly sympathetic woman.
The pair are surrounded by excellent actors with Fay Bainter in her second to last theatrical feature offering a warmly gentle performance as Rachel's mother. There's also a charming vignette courtesy of Ralph Dumke and Nina Varela as a flat boat captain and his wife who are so cheery and earthy they could have had their own film to tell their story. But the real standout in the supporting cast is Ruth Attaway as the Jackson's devoted servant Moll. The character is never written down to and she comes across with Attaway's skillful playing not as servile but as a trusted confidante.
The film also has a most lovely musical score which effectively sets the proper feeling for each scene. A well made compelling film examining the lives of two important historical figures making them into real people that should interest most viewers but will be most potent for romantics. Those romantics should beware to have tissues handy during the latter part of the film.