I've never read the source material, but I can tell just from this movie's screenplay that it's a totally dumbed-down, sanitized, Hollywood-approved film. The baseline of the story relies on heavy drama, in a good way, but all the overworked romantic flourishes and nonsensical comedic moments drag it down to a mediocre melodrama.
I love Deborah Kerr, but I didn't feel any chemistry between her and Gable. Ms. Gardner did a good job. The remainder of the cast, especially Greenstreet, help hold things together. However, fine performances are not enough to lift this up above the rest.
I imagine if this had been allowed to be the hard-hitting, morality-tale drama that it's meant to be, it would have been both ahead of its time and timely. It's worth one watch if you're a fan of any of the cast members.
I love Deborah Kerr, but I didn't feel any chemistry between her and Gable. Ms. Gardner did a good job. The remainder of the cast, especially Greenstreet, help hold things together. However, fine performances are not enough to lift this up above the rest.
I imagine if this had been allowed to be the hard-hitting, morality-tale drama that it's meant to be, it would have been both ahead of its time and timely. It's worth one watch if you're a fan of any of the cast members.