Saratoga Trunk (1946)

After being banished to Paris with her mother, who was the mistress of the scion of a prominent New Orleans family, their illegitimate daughter (Ingrid Bergman) returns to New Orleans intent on getting revenge on the family who ruined her mother's life and also to catch herself a wealthy husband. She meets a tall Texan (Gary Cooper) who is also out for revenge against the railroad barons who ruined his father. Their attraction is immediate but neither will give an inch. Based on the Edna Ferber novel, director Sam Wood reunites with his FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS stars and the result is this irrepressible battle of the sexes with both Copper and Bergman at their sexiest and most magnetic. Bergman, in particular, seems to be having the time of her life as the calculating Creole minx. The film runs over the 2 hour mark but you're never aware of the time as Wood keeps things smoothly on track though the last few minutes of the film are far more treacly than necessary. Flora Robson, in blackface, as Bergman's maid received an Oscar nomination. Max Steiner provided the score. With Florence Bates, Ethel Griffies, Jacqueline DeWit, John Warburton as the millionaire Bergman sets her eyes on and Jerry Austin as Bergman's dwarf companion (she sets a tray of Jambalaya on his head as she eats).