This entertaining piece of sentiment doesn't feel like a 1951 movie. It feels like a 1942 Americana film, but since about half of the film takes place during that time, it's not really a criticism. Paul Douglas tells his story through narration and flashbacks to the WWII era; he plays an ex-football player whose injury prevents him from joining the service. He's embarrassed and doesn't feel like a man anymore when even the football teams don't want him. His wife, Joan Bennett, and his young son, Billy Gray, love him, but it's not enough. When alluring Linda Darnell jumps in his taxi and tells the driver to head to her apartment, it might be too much temptation for Paul to take. . .
I love seeing Paul and Linda together. They have such a great chemistry that makes you think they'll really head to her apartment after the cameras stop rolling. Joan, in contrast, acts like she can't stand Paul and would rather do anything than act in this movie. There's really no contest between the two ladies, especially since Linda gets to wear some beautiful clothes.
Three years before becoming immortalized in Father Knows Best, Billy Gray had already quite the list of screen credits to his name. In this family drama, he really shows off his acting chops. He has a couple of crying scenes that break your heart. And, in 1950s fashion, rather than support people's need to "find themselves" in order to be a better parent, the film shows the damage divorce has on children. All in all, I might not watch this movie again, but it was definitely entertaining. Check it out if you're a fan of the cast.
I love seeing Paul and Linda together. They have such a great chemistry that makes you think they'll really head to her apartment after the cameras stop rolling. Joan, in contrast, acts like she can't stand Paul and would rather do anything than act in this movie. There's really no contest between the two ladies, especially since Linda gets to wear some beautiful clothes.
Three years before becoming immortalized in Father Knows Best, Billy Gray had already quite the list of screen credits to his name. In this family drama, he really shows off his acting chops. He has a couple of crying scenes that break your heart. And, in 1950s fashion, rather than support people's need to "find themselves" in order to be a better parent, the film shows the damage divorce has on children. All in all, I might not watch this movie again, but it was definitely entertaining. Check it out if you're a fan of the cast.