Review of Smash-Up: The Story of a Woman

Beautiful alcoholic Susan Hayward (as Angelica "Angie" Evans) wakes up bandaged in a hospital bed, trying to recall what led to her "Smash-Up" - "The Story of a Woman" is told in flashback… A rising young singer, though lacking some confidence, Ms. Hayward gives up her career to serve as wife, mother, and party hostess to radio crooner Lee Bowman (as Ken Conway). He and his career take off, leading Hayward to fill her emptying life with alcohol. Hayward's boozing leaves Mr. Bowman vulnerable to secretary Marsha Hunt (as Martha Gray). Understanding Eddie Albert (as Steve Nelson) tries to help save his friend's marriage.

This is silly melodrama masquerading as social consciousness - and, it's capped by a cringing post-production ending, which squanders much of the fiery drama. Hayward never really messes her make-up, or crawls in the gutter, and photographer Stanley Cortez keeps everything beautiful in black-and-white. Still, there is more than one kind of alcoholic, Hayward does an excellent job with the role, and the message about this woman's need for her own career is clear. The "Academy Awards" provided Hayward with her first "Best Actress" nomination. And, Mrs. Crosby wasn't the only Hollywood woman too dependent on drink.

******* Smash-Up (3/47) Stuart Heisler ~ Susan Hayward, Lee Bowman, Marsha Hunt, Eddie Albert