JEAN NEGULESCO

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBB.5.  USA, 1948.   Warner Bros.  Screenplay by Irma von Cube, Allen Vincent, based on the stage play by Elmer Harris.   Cinematography by Ted D. McCord.  Produced by Jerry Wald.  Music by Max Steiner.  Production Design by Robert M. Haas.  Costume Design by Milo Anderson.  Film Editing by David Weisbart.  Academy Awards 1948.  Golden Globe Awards 1948.  

Jane Wyman won an Academy Award for her sensitive portrayal of a deaf-mute woman in Nova Scotia who bears a child after being raped by a local bad guy. At first her shocked family think that she has behaved improperly, but when they learn the truth they decide to support her as best as they can, even in light of Wyman’s decision to keep the child and raise it. This early attempt at dealing with disabilities is slightly patronizing and mawkish, but Wyman’s honest performance keeps it grounded and doesn’t allow anything to get too hammy.