On A List of Movie Reviews

(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)


All That Heaven Allows (1955)

Rate: 10
Viewed: 3/14, 8/15

HeavA
3/14: Equipped with one of the best cinematography ever, All That Heaven Allows is much better than the other Douglas Sirk's high-camp, melodramatic Written on the Wind.

Rock Hudson is perfect as the handsome gardener hulk who falls for an older widow who's played wonderfully well by Jane Wyman. How swept away is Cary by the sight of Ron. She falls for him, and how the town talks afterwards. Cary's muddled thinking is apparent through her hesitating actions, mainly because she's pulled back by the varying external forces: peer pressure, town approval, and conventionalism.

Remember All That Heaven Allows was made during the 50's, and things were different back then. Hence, soap opera themes are prevalent as ever, yet there's a nice balance about it. The best part is the guilt conflict within Cary.

Cary has to first believe in the impossible by taking a leap of faith if she truly loves Ron. Otherwise, it's unfair to him. Hence, the theme is powerful. What's more important: love or people's opinion of how one should act, think, do, and be? My favorite moment is when Cary found out, after listening to their righteous talk, her son planned to go overseas, her daughter agreed to marry, and the house should be sold. How I wanted Cary to disown her children instantly. The hilarious sight of the TV set is the final nail in the coffin for the poor mother.

All in all, All That Heaven Allows is an instant Douglas Sirk classic that's a satisfying motion picture experience.

8/15: Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman are perfect in All That Heaven Allows, a top five romantic film.

The story is terrific, and the underlying messages about social norms are relevant. They still ring true to this day, making for an emotionally moving picture. Even better is the brilliant Technicolor cinematography which seems to present every possible color in the palette; hence, it's an unforgettable Douglas Sirk classic.

All in all, All That Heaven Allows is everything that Written on the Wind and Magnificent Obsession are not.