Douglas Sirk Collection Reviews

THE absolute Classic.

I first saw this film over twenty years ago and have seen it many times since without it losing any sheen. Racism, Social issues, Romance, Comedy and Drama all way before political correctness and diversity were the norm. Fantasticly moving and with brilliant cinematography. An absolute must see with the best heartrending end to any film yet made.

was true life.

excellent movie. being an african american woman from america and having grown up with several light skinned/biracial people, (some of whom did pass)this movie definitely shows how it was for light skinned blacks in america. it was sad that they felt the only way to have a good life was to pass for white. mahalia jacksons' strong singing at the end was the icing on the cake.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Well acted but rather boring.

Erm...well acted, but rather boring.

I'm man of few words, unless I'm drunk.

Early 20th-C melodrama

Barbara Stanwick rocks (as usual) in this tale of a passionate woman's abandonment of family and suburbia for the stage. After years away, she rolls back into town to see her kids and realizes what she's missed, while hubby gets a yen for her all over again. Subdued fun.

Gripping

A gripping and thoroughly entertaining drama with first rate acting by Robert Stack, Rock Hudson and Lauren Bacall. The pace never flags, the characters are all believable and the twists and turns of the plot hold your attention from beginning to end. Perhaps not a memorable film but a very satisfying insight into the unenviable life-style of a filthy-rich American family of the 1950s.

* * * This review contains spoilers * * *ShowHide

[Highly rated reviewer]

Sirkasm

Sirk does it again with this savage indictment of a society whose racism forces a black girl to reject both her own mother and her colour in order to escape her 'fate', which is, at best, patronising tolerance and servitude. By comparison, the main narrative concerning the massively ambitious Lora Meredith and her pursuit of success at any cost (including the loss of true love and the virtual estrangement of her daughter), seems almost secondary. The final shot of Meredith and the two daughters in the rear of the funeral car speaks volumes. Fine stuff.

A Real Tear Jerker

A classic movie which has stood the test of time.

It was difficult to hold back the tears during the funeral scene with Mahala Jackson's honeyed gospel tone in tbe background.

It is rumoured that the mother/daughter relationship between Lana Turner and Sandra Dee in this movie was not unlike the one in Turner's home.

Is it because I is Black? Never seen anything like it in my life

If you haven't seen this completely extraordinary film, an important part of your education is missing. Camp, socially superaware - Culture is Everything melodrama. What is great about it are the images, especially the dresses and what seems to have been a complete misunderstanding between the filmakers and the film writers. The scirpt indicates Ms turner is herself a bit racist albeit in a well-maening kind of way - 'Oh the chauffeur's son' - and an absent moter - she's never off the screen. Maybe they were trying to deal with tooo many issues here but still it's an amazing film, incredible film impressionante.

tearjerker

i enjoyed this film very much

A true classic

I first saw this film when I was about nine years old and I never forgot it. I can tell you this, grown men do cry. This is the best film I have ever seen a must see movie, what are you waiting for.