Popular reviews

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  Review by sakana1 ★★★

  A touching drama through which the bones of Philip Yordan's 1944 play of the same name can sometimes be seen, particularly in the staging of the film's finale. The story, about family and the ways a woman's past (or the past people imagine her to have) can change her present and future, is genuinely affecting, and the cast is solid throughout. In particular, Broderick Crawford's performance as Frank, the in-law who runs the Lucasta household, is surprisingly nuanced and, in supporting roles, Mary Wickes (as Frank's wife) and Dennie Moore (as Blanche, the only employee of the bar Anna frequents in Brooklyn), are pretty wonderful.

  *Another film version of the story was made about 10 years later, starring Eartha Kitt and based on the play that was actually staged in 1944, which was about a Black family rather than European immigrants. Really looking forward to watching that one.

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  Review by PUNQ ★★ 1

  Broderick Crawford was the key guy elevating this melodrama. Oskar Homolka also contributed in his own way, but for the most part I felt the acting in this one didn't work all that great, and that includes Paulette Goddard manic character, unfortunately. Something about it feeling too staged or not being framed right for the emotions to come across genuine. Story seemed interesting, so I'm looking forward to the 1958 black cast remake.