Back Street
Ambitious but thwarted, Rae Smith meets handsome Marine Paul Saxon, (of the Saxon department store chain), as he passes through Lincoln, Nebraska, on his way home from World War II. There's a definite spark between them but circumstances intervene and he leaves town without her. Later she learns he's married. Determined to make it as a fashion designer, Rae moves to New York and becomes a great success. One day she happens to meet Paul again and again there's that spark but he's still married so, as a form of escape, Rae moves to Rome to set up shop. Once again she meets Paul and finally they begin an actual affair since Paul's shrewish, drunken wife, Liz, won't give him a divorce. Time passes, the affair continues whenever time and place permit, but then, Paul's young son finds out about Rae and Rae's back-street world begins to crumble.
Insights
Plot Summary
A successful businessman has a long-term, secret affair with a woman who lives in hotels and is never acknowledged publicly. Their relationship is strained by his demanding family and the societal pressures of the time. As the years pass, she waits for him, her life defined by his infrequent visits and the emptiness of her existence. The story explores themes of unrequited love, sacrifice, and the consequences of societal expectations on personal happiness.
Critical Reception
Back Street was met with mixed to positive reviews from critics, who often praised Susan Hayward's performance but found the melodramatic plot somewhat dated. Audiences were generally more receptive to the emotional drama.
What Reviewers Say
- Susan Hayward delivers a powerful and moving performance as the spurned lover.
- The film's melodrama is engaging but occasionally overwrought.
- Explores the tragic consequences of societal constraints on love and happiness.
Google audience: Audience reception data for this film on Google is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film is a remake of a 1941 film of the same name, which was based on Fannie Hurst's 1931 novel. The story was again remade in 1969 with adapted elements.
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