Call it a melodrama. At times, the music swells to remind us that so much is on the line. Call it a soap opera. The script hardly misses a chance to string along the emotions of the viewer. But "All That Heaven Allows" is more than that, if only for its message--a simple one, but one that is extremely important: to thine own self be true.
This story of romance would be worthwhile watching only for this lesson, but it offers more. The sets are beautiful. The direction is solid. Jane Wyman, who stars as Cary Scott, is convincing as the confused woman who loves a younger man but lacks the strength to follow her feelings. Rock Hudson plays the object of her affections--a man of principles who won't compromise his values. Gloria Talbott, who plays Cary's daughter, has a screen presence that, perhaps, could have been utilized more. Likewise, Agnes Moorehead as Cary's friend, Sara Warren.
This is not a great film, but it represents its era very well, in terms of quality and theme.
This story of romance would be worthwhile watching only for this lesson, but it offers more. The sets are beautiful. The direction is solid. Jane Wyman, who stars as Cary Scott, is convincing as the confused woman who loves a younger man but lacks the strength to follow her feelings. Rock Hudson plays the object of her affections--a man of principles who won't compromise his values. Gloria Talbott, who plays Cary's daughter, has a screen presence that, perhaps, could have been utilized more. Likewise, Agnes Moorehead as Cary's friend, Sara Warren.
This is not a great film, but it represents its era very well, in terms of quality and theme.