Review of All That Heaven Allows (1955) by Suzanne S — 06 Aug 2010

I'm sure that when it was released, it was controversial and groundbreaking and all that, but it has not aged well. The entire film is contrived and undeveloped. The love affair is anemic; there is not a single spark between Wyman and Hudson.

We have absolutely no idea why they are interested in each other; particularly why Hudson is interested in Wyman. Wyman's concern for her adult "children" is ludicrous. Contrary to the synopsis above, we get almost no insight into any character's life; they are all stock figures meant to represent various attitudes.

Events follow one another in a predictable and rather pedantic fashion; they are vignettes designed to illustrate points in the movie's message. The ending is laughable, with it's requisite near-fatal accident.

Agnes Moorehead is the best thing about the movie. It was refreshing to see her play the loyal friend rather than the sniping neighbor for a change.