"Daisy Kenyon" is a fairly powerful romantic melodrama that serves as an effective showcase for Joan Crawford as she plays the title character. Daisy is a NYC artist caught between two men: married attorney Dan O'Mara (Dana Andrews) and WWII veteran Peter Lapham (Henry Fonda). O'Mara is a slick, smarmy type who refuses to divorce his wife - yet he is not irredeemable, as he does exhibit a degree of compassion, and he is also a good father to his two girls (Peggy Ann Garner, Connie Marshall). Lapham is a basically decent, well-intentioned man, yet he is not strictly one-dimensional, either.
Very well directed by Otto Preminger, "Daisy Kenyon" features an appealing performance by Crawford, who later stated that she felt that the reason it worked to any degree was because of Preminger. And yet, Crawford is not the whole show, as both Andrews and Fonda are equally well-utilized. It's especially fun to see Andrews cast against type as this cad who was overdue for some humanity / humility. The strong supporting cast also includes Ruth Warrick as the cuckolded wife, Martha Stewart (no, not THAT Martha Stewart), Nicholas Joy, Art Baker, Mae Marsh, Roy Roberts, and Tito Vuolo. John Garfield, Damon Runyon, and Walter Winchell all make cameo appearances.
Overall, this is an intelligent & sensitive story (scripted by David Hertz from a novel by Elizabeth Janeway) for adults with no easy answers or solutions. The characters are properly fleshed out and not unrealistic; these are real human beings with both assets & flaws. Ultimately, it is up to our female protagonist to reaffirm her independence and admit to her true feelings.
Seven out of 10.
Very well directed by Otto Preminger, "Daisy Kenyon" features an appealing performance by Crawford, who later stated that she felt that the reason it worked to any degree was because of Preminger. And yet, Crawford is not the whole show, as both Andrews and Fonda are equally well-utilized. It's especially fun to see Andrews cast against type as this cad who was overdue for some humanity / humility. The strong supporting cast also includes Ruth Warrick as the cuckolded wife, Martha Stewart (no, not THAT Martha Stewart), Nicholas Joy, Art Baker, Mae Marsh, Roy Roberts, and Tito Vuolo. John Garfield, Damon Runyon, and Walter Winchell all make cameo appearances.
Overall, this is an intelligent & sensitive story (scripted by David Hertz from a novel by Elizabeth Janeway) for adults with no easy answers or solutions. The characters are properly fleshed out and not unrealistic; these are real human beings with both assets & flaws. Ultimately, it is up to our female protagonist to reaffirm her independence and admit to her true feelings.
Seven out of 10.