***Plot spoilers are numerous***
Before glossy soap operas began to be so popular on television, we had the Hollywood films of Douglas Sirk. Few directors used such lavish colour in every production, lending a dream-like air of perfection to something as simple as purple curtains, or a lush grassy lawn. Paired with lavishly painted backdrops, these films were an escape from the dull streets of our towns and cities, and portrayed an ideal of wealthy living, where housekeepers made the dinner, as the gardener trimmed the perfect hedges. More like the life we would love to have had, than the one we lived in.
This romantic drama throws it all at the viewer. A rich feckless playboy, spending his time driving cars and boats too fast, hanging out in country clubs, attended by money-grabbing girls. A respectable widow, doing good work at the local hospital, and an accident that robs her of her sight. A wise family friend, artistic, dependable, and there to guide all the main characters. And the loyal nurse and friend, who can always be counted on. Luxurious houses by the beach, executive cars, and a friendly populace subservient to their needs, always respectful and grateful.
It is all nonsense of course, but simply glorious nonsense.
When playboy Bob Merrick (Rock Hudson) crashes his motor boat, he is close to death, and the only portable resuscitator in the town is collected from Doctor Phillips’ house, to save his life. Meanwhile, the doctor’s new wife, Helen, (Jane Wyman) arrives home from a shopping trip to hear the terrible news that her husband has died of a heart attack. The portable resuscitator would have saved his life, but had been taken to use on the spoiled Bob Merrick. The bereaved Helen takes over the running of the small hospital, ably assisted by her step-daughter, and that loyal nurse, Nancy. (A reliable Agnes Moorehead performance)
When Merrick realises that Doctor Phillips died so he could live, he tries to donate thousands of dollars, to assuage his conscience. Helen refuses his money, and he begins to pursue her, trying to make up for his past bad deeds. On one occasion when she is trying to escape his attentions, she is hit by a car, and loses her sight.
Cue tragedy all round. Nancy helps of course, as does the step-daughter. Helen does her best to cope with the blindness, and has to face the knowledge that it is incurable. Consumed with guilt, Bob Merrick takes to watching Helen, as she sits on the beach. Eventually, he befriends her, using a false name. (No idea why she didn’t recognise his voice) Naturally, the blind woman falls madly in love with the ‘stranger’, and he returns her affection. He decides to use some of his considerable fortune to send her to Switzerland, where he is sure the best surgeons can restore her sight. After lots of tests, they say they can do nothing, so Merrick flies over to be with her. This gives us the chance to see a Hollywood recreation of Switzerland, with locals in traditional dress, and friendly villagers. You have to try not to laugh during that segment.
Finally realising the ‘stranger’ is Merrick, Helen forgives him, and he asks her to marry him. But she will not saddle her new love with a blind wife, and leaves with Nancy, destination unknown. Whilst trying to find her, Bob decides to go back to medical school, and train as a neuro-surgeon. The passing of time is shown in typical Sirk fashion, with the views from a window changing from summer blooms, to deep snow, and Rock Hudson’s hair greying at the temples. After an unspecified time, Bob is now a skilled surgeon, and has all but given up on ever finding Helen. He gives away most of his money, and dedicates his life to his medical work. Out of the blue, he is contacted by Nurse Nancy. Helen is desperately ill, and has been admitted to a small clinic in Arizona.
Bob drops everything (including his waiting surgical cases, presumably) and flies out to see her. When he hears that the local doctors cannot perform the brain operation necessary to save her life, he reluctantly goes ahead and operates on her himself. Of course, it is successful, not only saving her life, but restoring her sight. This is a Sirk film after all, and it was made in 1954. No sad endings allowed.
Imagine having a sickly-sweet cake. You know you shouldn’t eat it, but the pleasure is too much to resist. You wolf it down in one sitting; overdosing on sugar, and feeling more than a little guilty. But you enjoyed it, nonetheless. That’s what this film is like. And I enjoyed that cake.
It’s been so long since my last viewing of this film. But now I want to dog it out again.
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Always good to revisit the films of Douglas Sirk mate. The ultimate soap operas. 🙂
Cheers, Pete.
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Written on the Wind is one amazing movie.
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I’m familiar with the title, but not the film. I assume Agnes Moorhead is bewitching in the film…
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Loyal and dependable in this one, David. She keeps her magic skills under wraps. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I went into a sugar coma just reading your review,Pete!!
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We all need something sweet in our lives. Just not too often! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Another one I love-and your conclusion is absolutely too funny!! loved it!
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Glad you also like this film, and enjoyed the review too, Michele.
🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I love Douglas Sirk’s movies. I remember introducing one of my friends to him. She’d never watch any of his movies and I took a boxset to her and we ended up watching several in a row. Such beautiful movies and quite subtle too (the moment when her children give her a TV set is heartbreaking…)
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I am a sucker for Sirk, Olga. Unashamedly sentimental, but I am there for the sumptuous colours, if nothing else.
Best wishes, pete.
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Thank you Pete! Seems to be another movie i should watch. Great review! Michael
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It is like eating a whole box of chocolates at once, Michael. But we have all done that, haven’t we?
Best wishes, Pete 🙂
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Yes, but chocolate was an is much more avaiable here at the end of the world aka Upper Palatinate. Now – God sake – Netflix is reality. 😉 Michael
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Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Thanks for that much-appreciated reblog!
Best wishes, Pete.
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My pleasure Pete! Sorry the last weeks really this GDPR stressed my brain to the max.
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I can understand that! 🙂
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🙂Over 15 years our officials at Berlin slept like babies. Now they hurry up and want to bring the citizens to an higher level for economic prosperity. LoL As we say in Germany: This train has passed.
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But your German trains ALWAYS run on time! 🙂
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Do you really think so? Oh no. It’s been getting worse for a few years. Our railway company prefers to invest in India and Africa.
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It’s a very old British joke, Michael. German trains, running on time. 🙂
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Sorry, oh!This happend 80 years in the past.
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When I was in Berlin Hauptbanhof during the time of the DDR, the train to Dresden left at precisely the time, to the second. And they even had first and second class tickets, which surprised me a great deal. 🙂
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During this time Germany was survailed by the Allies. ;-))
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But I was a ‘happy Communist’, pleased to be visiting East Germany! 🙂
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A communist? You? Really? 😉
I understand the theory, but the reality of communism was also too sad.
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I was indeed. Have you never seen my ‘other blog’.
https://redflagflying.wordpress.com/
I am sorry if my Communist past (and present) upsets you, Michael.
Best wishes, Pete.
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If the film is as good as the review then I’m in 🙂
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You have to suspend belief, sit back, and enjoy the dreamy colours.
Glad you enjoyed the review mate.
Cheers, Pete.
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I’ve never seen this but it sounds like a movie I’d really enjoy. This is a wonderful review Pete. You’ve convinced me!😊
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This is the best sort of schmaltz you will ever see, Kim. Sirk is a master of this soapy melodrama, and draws me in every time.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I enjoy the spoilers, since I seldom go and watch the films. It is satisfying to get more or less the whole story–thank you.
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Glad it works for you, Donnalee. I only use spoilers with these very old films, as the endings are often very well-known.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I understand. I find that wikipedia can be helpful too if I want to know the plot of something and don’t mind spoilers.
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I think we all needed this kind of predictable movie in the early 1950’s. The kids’ programs were similarly filled with happy endings. Probably a result of total war fatigue and a desire for better times.
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I agree, Elizabeth. Sirk caught the mood of the post-war emotions very well.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I do believe you hit the nail on the head with: “It is all nonsense of course, but simply glorious nonsense.” Kudos.
Warmest regards, Theo
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Thanks, Theo. Perhaps I should have made that the last line of the review? 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I actually haven’t seen this one! Sounds absolutely sickly, sweetly tragic!
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It’s a Sirk special, Nicole. Glossy Americana, with tragedy followed by the happiest of endings. Nothing at all like real life, which is why it’s so great to watch! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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That’s why I WATCH movies! If I wanted reality I’d look out my window, or, worse yet WATCH THE NEWS! *shudder* give me an escape any day.
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Exactly! 🙂
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yOUR RETRO REVIEWS ARE GREAT i WISH i HAD THE TIME TO WATCH SOME OF THEM….MAYBE ONCE i GET OLD…lol CHUQ……why all caps….damn I am lazy….LOL
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They are not going anywhere, chuq. Still time… 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I have a back log to beat Hell……and thanx for the dictionary link…..chuq
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I loved this movie!!
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Me too, Jennie. Can’t beat a bit of over-colourful melodrama! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Absolutely! Best to you, Pete.
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I totally understand your sickly sweet cake reference with this movie 😂 . Despite all that, this sounds like something entertaining to check out! 😂
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Oh, it’s a great example of melodrama, never done better. Despite my comments, I love it, and many of Sirk’s other films too.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I will definitely check it out then!
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Sounds like a true guilty pleasure for sure, my friend!💜🍰 I will have to partake in the eating of this cake 🎂 when I get a chance. Fantastic Post, Pete!💙
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It’s a classically irresistible melodrama. But a lot of fun too, in a ‘retro’ way.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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Retro style kind of fun is the BEST!💙 Xoxo
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Loved this review, Pete, although I haven’t seen the film. But maybe now I will😊
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Thanks, Marina. I am a sucker for Sirk’s style, so I obviously recommend seeing it. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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That is a perfect Huge-bowl-of-icecream-movie. 🙂 The first time I saw it I needed a lot of handkerchiefs. 😉
Have a happy sunday, dear Pete!
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Thanks, Kerin. I am happy to have given you a nice ‘movie memory’.
Best wishes, Pete.
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