The View From Pompey's Head (1955)

Set in South Carolina, a New York attorney (Richard Egan) returns to his Southern roots when he tries to avert a lawsuit by a distinguished Southern author (Sidney Blackmer) and his wife (Marjorie Rambeau). He also renews a romance with the girl (Dana Wynter), now married as he is, he left behind. Based on the novel by Hamilton Basso and directed by Philip Dunne (BLUE DENIM). Basso's 1954 novel isn't much remembered today but it was a huge best seller that spent 40 weeks on the New York Times best seller list (film rights were sold for $100,000) and got excellent reviews. The film version is a solid melodrama that plays out like a juicy best seller involving secrets, infidelity, miscegenation, domestic violence and prejudice. Although Richard Egan and Dana Wynter are very good, the film could have used some star power (the director wanted Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn) to boost the film. Neatly shot in CinemaScope by Joseph MacDonald (HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE) and a great score by Elmer Bernstein (MAGNIFICENT SEVEN) that he recycled for FAR FROM HEAVEN (2002). With Cameron Mitchell, Jerry Paris, Rosemarie Bowe and Dorothy Patrick.