My Foolish Heart (1949)

When her husband (Kent Smith) asks her for a divorce as well as custody of their daughter (Gigi Perreau), a bitter and unhappy alcoholic (Susan Hayward) reflects back on the one true love (Dana Andrews) of her life. Based on the short story UNCLE WIGGILY IN CONNECTICUT by J.D. Salinger and directed by Mark Robson (VALLEY OF THE DOLLS). When people wonder why J.D. Salinger's classic novel CATCHER IN THE RYE has never been adapted into a film, this movie is the reason. Salinger so hated what they did to his story that he refused to have any movies made from his books. The movie bears little resemblance to Salinger's dark story and instead it has been turned into a sentimental tearjerker. On its own terms, the movie accomplishes what it sets out to do but I wish its touch had been a little more deft instead of so heavy handed. I'm not adverse to tearjerkers, far from it, but this one left me dry eyed. Hayward is fine though her Oscar nomination for her work here is inexplicable. But there is one bright spot, the lovely title ballad (also Oscar nominated for best song) by Victor Young and Ned Washington which became a popular standard. With Lois Wheeler, Jessie Royce Landis, Robert Keith, Karin Booth, Martha Mears and Jerry Paris.