Review of All That Heaven Allows (1955) by Eric R — 26 Jan 2011
1950's Technicolor melodrama in all its glory! In this heartfelt weepie, the beautiful Jane Wyman plays Cary Scott, a middle-aged widow who falls in love with her younger landscaper, Ron Kirby (played by Rock Hudson).
Because of the age and class differences, all of Cary's friends, as well as her college-age children, disapprove. Although All That Heaven Allows drives its point home with a sledgehammer (conforming bad! following your heart good!), the film really does pull at the heart strings.
However, I wasn't entirely convinced that Cary *was* following her heart and not following Ron's heart and wishes instead. In order to enjoy this film, you have to accept what it brings to the table, and what it brings isn't always, er, "progressive".
But if you can accept it as an artifact of its time and culture, All That Heaven Allows is an enjoyable, beautifully shot film with a heart of gold.
This review of All That Heaven Allows (1955) was written by Eric R on 26 Jan 2011.
All That Heaven Allows has generally received very positive reviews.
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