I am very surprised I never have seen or heard anyone talking about "There's Always Tomorrow", as it's one of Fred MacMurray's and Barbara Stanwyck's better films...as well as that of the director, Douglas Sirk. It's a very intelligently written and important film...one I highly recommend.
When the story begins, businessman Cliff Groves (MacMurray) arrives home from work. He's gone all out...buying his wife tickets for a show she's wanted to see. However, the wife (Joan Bennett) insists she cannot go...as their daughter has a dance recital. Cliff is disappointed...but so's life.
Later, Cliff talks to his wife about going on a weekend outing together without the kids in order to relax and have some romance. Once again, however, the wife at the last minute cancels on him....though the reasons seemed pretty unimportant compared to the dance recital. Obviously, Cliff is feeling neglected.
The wife insists that Cliff go on the weekend outing...which he does. However, once at Palm Desert (near Palm Springs), he finds an old lady friend is there as well. Norma (Stanwyck) and Cliff end up spending a lot of time together...which is problematic because Cliff's son arrives at the resort and ASSUMES his father is having an affair...which he isn't.
At this point, things are getting pretty crazy. The wife is obviously neglectful, Cliff is feeling lonely and suddenly the son and oldest daughter think Dad is cheating...and begin treating him awfully. What's next? Well, see the film.
I loved this movie. Too often films are about the young and seeing one about normal middle-aged problems is refreshing. The film also is NOT moralistic nor does it encourage adultery. Instead, it shows the potential pitfalls in marriage which may occur due to familiarity and routine...and is a great film to watch with someone you love. Exquisitely made....and one of the better films of the year.
When the story begins, businessman Cliff Groves (MacMurray) arrives home from work. He's gone all out...buying his wife tickets for a show she's wanted to see. However, the wife (Joan Bennett) insists she cannot go...as their daughter has a dance recital. Cliff is disappointed...but so's life.
Later, Cliff talks to his wife about going on a weekend outing together without the kids in order to relax and have some romance. Once again, however, the wife at the last minute cancels on him....though the reasons seemed pretty unimportant compared to the dance recital. Obviously, Cliff is feeling neglected.
The wife insists that Cliff go on the weekend outing...which he does. However, once at Palm Desert (near Palm Springs), he finds an old lady friend is there as well. Norma (Stanwyck) and Cliff end up spending a lot of time together...which is problematic because Cliff's son arrives at the resort and ASSUMES his father is having an affair...which he isn't.
At this point, things are getting pretty crazy. The wife is obviously neglectful, Cliff is feeling lonely and suddenly the son and oldest daughter think Dad is cheating...and begin treating him awfully. What's next? Well, see the film.
I loved this movie. Too often films are about the young and seeing one about normal middle-aged problems is refreshing. The film also is NOT moralistic nor does it encourage adultery. Instead, it shows the potential pitfalls in marriage which may occur due to familiarity and routine...and is a great film to watch with someone you love. Exquisitely made....and one of the better films of the year.