My Forbidden Past (1951)

The niece (Ava Gardner) of an aristocratic but impoverished old New Orleans family falls in love with a penniless research scientist (Robert Mitchum). But when he returns from South America with a new bride (Janis Carter), she uses her recently acquired inheritance in her plans for revenge. Directed by Robert Stevenson (MARY POPPINS) from the novel CARRIAGE TRADE by Polan Banks, this is an old fashioned "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" melodrama and quite entertaining, too. Though the rough around the edges Mitchum is questionable casting as a bookish research scientist, the fetching Gardner is at the height of her beauty and one could be content basking in her exquisite close ups. The acting honors are stolen by Melvyn Douglas as Gardner's wily, unctuous and conscienceless cousin who ruins everything. He's positively slimy and it's a breath of relief when he gets his just desserts. The expert art and set direction recreates late 19th century New Orleans milieu with adroit dexterity and lovingly shot by Harry J. Wild (GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES). With Lucile Watson, Gordon Oliver and Clarence Muse.