Stolen Hours (1963)

A wealthy American expatriate (Susan Hayward) living in England has a fatal brain tumor. However, her doctor (Michael Craig) who is in love with her conspires with her sister (Diane Baker) to keep the news from her. Based on the play DARK VICTORY by George Brewer Jr. (previously filmed in 1939) and directed by Daniel Petrie (RESURRECTION). The 1939 DARK VICTORY was not a great movie but Bette Davis's performance was. Her vital performance elevated the movie and gave it the sheen of something special. Throughout her long career, Susan Hayward was often unceremoniously described as the "poor man's Bette Davis" and her performance here shows why. There's nothing wrong with Hayward's performance, it's quite decent but there's no energy that drives the film forward the way Davis's performance did. The many changes this version makes to the script does Hayward no favors either. On the plus side, there's a lovely underscore by Mort Lindsey. Remade in 1976 as a TV movie with Elizabeth Montgomery. With Edward Judd and Paul Rogers.