Back Street (1961)

Shortly after the war, a married marine (John Gavin) and a struggling dress designer (Susan Hayward) meet and fall in love. But when she finds out he's married, she is torn between her love for him and her determination not to be a "back street" mistress. The third (1932 and 1941 were the others) film incarnation of Fannie Hurst's (IMITATION OF LIFE) weepie is much more glamorous than the prior versions. Produced by Ross Hunter and directed by David Miller (LONELY ARE THE BRAVE), this gets the lavish Ross Hunter treatment with Hayward pacing and suffering in Paris and Rome and wearing gowns by Jean Louis (who received an Oscar nomination for his work here), jewels by David Webb and furs by Alixandre. You can guess the purplish dialogue even before the characters utter their lines. Still, Hunter and company know what they're doing so don't be surprised if you find your eyes watering during the kitschy, melodramatic finale. Alas, director Miller is no Douglas Sirk so the film never transcends its pulpy roots. There's a glorious score by Frank Skinner. With Vera Miles (never looking more beautiful) in the film's best performance as Gavin's bitchy, alcoholic wife. Also with Virginia Grey, Charles Drake, Reginald Gardiner, Natalie Schafer and Hayden Rorke.