The Forbidden Street (aka Britannia Mews) (1949)

Against the wishes of her upper class parents (Wilfrid Hyde White, Fay Compton), a girl (Maureen O'Hara) marries an impoverished painter (Dana Andrews) and moves to the slums. But the marriage is an unhappy one, due partly to the husband's alcoholism. But when he dies suspiciously, she becomes a victim of blackmail by the local hag (Dame Sybil Thorndike). Based on the novel by Margery Sharp (CLUNY BROWN) and directed by Jean Negulesco (THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN). The first part of the film appears to be veering towards a dark noir-ish tale but with the appearance of a drunk ex-actor (also played by Dana Andrews), it turns into a soapy melodrama and becomes less interesting. As the painter, Andrews is dubbed by a British actor but as the ex-actor, he uses his own voice and an inadequate English accent. The most intriguing aspect of the second half of the film is that O'Hara and Andrews are living together without benefit of matrimony but passing themselves off as a married couple. Surely, quite daring for 1949. It's wonderful to see Dame Sybil in a decent film role which allows her to display her legendary acting talent, her Medusa harridan will make your skin crawl. With Anthony Tancred and Diane Hart.