The Loves Of Edgar Allan Poe (1942)

After seemingly being rejected by his childhood sweetheart (Virginia Gilmore), Edgar Allan Poe (Shepperd Strudwick) falls in love with his cousin (Linda Darnell). But as a poet, he still has to struggle to make a living and his frequent alcoholic bouts only make matters worse. Directed by Harry Lachman (DR. RENAULT'S SECRET), this one is total stinker! Poe's life would probably make for an engrossing film if done right but this one is not only simplistic, it bears very little resemblance to the real Edgar Allan Poe and his life. As Poe, Strudwick can't enact the complexities of a genius like Poe, he comes off more as a brat who never grew up. I felt sorry for Linda Darnell who's wasted here. Coming off THE MARK OF ZORRO and BLOOD AND SAND which displayed her beauty and star power, this is all 20th Century Fox could give her? With Jane Darwell, Mary Howard and Harry Morgan.