DOUGLAS SIRK

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBB. 

USA, 1954.  Universal International Pictures.  Screenplay by Robert Blees, adaptation by Wells Root, based on the screenplay by Sarah Y. Mason, Victor Heerman, from the novel by Lloyd C. Douglas.  Cinematography by Russell Metty.  Produced by Ross Hunter.  Music by Frank Skinner.  Production Design by Bernard Herzbrun, Emrich Nicholson.  Costume Design by Bill Thomas.  Film Editing by Milton Carruth.  

Lesser Douglas Sirk soaper is chock full of his beautiful knack for dramatic colour photography but is riddled by a melodramatic storyline. Jane Wyman‘s husband dies during a heart attack because his oxygen tank was being used to save boating accident victim Rock Hudson. Months later, since killing her husband wasn’t enough, Hudson runs Wyman over with his car and leaves her blind. The two end up spending a lot of time together, fall in love and he joins a secret society that does good deeds for people anonymously. Maudlin beyond belief, the success of the film prompted the studio to reteam the two stars in the next year’s highly superior All That Heaven Allows.

The Criterion Collection:  #457

Academy Award Nomination:  Best Actress (Jane Wyman)

Berlin Film Festival: In Competition