All That Heaven Allows (1955)

User Rating:

7.6/10   

Director:

Douglas Sirk

Writers:

Peg Fenwick (writer)
Edna L. Lee (story)

Release Date:

December 1955 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Tagline:

How much does Heaven Allow a Woman in Love?

Plot:

An upper-class widow falls in love with a much younger, down-to-earth nurseryman, much to the disapproval of her children and criticism of her country club peers.

Plot Keywords:

Widow | Gossip | Tree | Country Club | Hunting

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Jane Wyman	...	Cary Scott
Rock Hudson	...	Ron Kirby
Agnes Moorehead	...	Sara Warren
Conrad Nagel	...	Harvey
Virginia Grey	...	Alida Anderson
Gloria Talbott	...	Kay Scott
William Reynolds	...	Ned Scott
Charles Drake	...	Mick Anderson
Hayden Rorke	...	Dr. Dan Hennessy
Jacqueline deWit	...	Mona Plash (as Jacqueline de Wit)
Leigh Snowden	...	Jo-Ann
Donald Curtis	...	Howard Hoffer
Alex Gerry	...	George Warren
Nestor Paiva	...	Manuel
Forrest Lewis	...	Mr. Weeks

Runtime:

89 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.00 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Certification:

South Korea:12 | Australia:PG | Finland:S | Sweden:Btl

Filming Locations:

Backlot, Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company:

Universal International Pictures (UI)

Trivia:

Originally, Douglas Sirk wanted the film to end with Ron's downfall after he recognizes Cary, leaving it open if Ron would survive or not. Producer Ross Hunter found that ending way too "depressing" and "disturbing" for the audience and therefore decided to go with a conventional happy end - which is the one we know today.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: When the door to the butcher's shop is opened, the camera and some crew members are clearly visible in a reflection.

Quotes:

[Howard passionately but forcefully kisses Cary, she pushes him away]
Howard Hoffer: I'm sorry Cary. I don't know what got into me. I know you're not like that. I apologize for what I said.
Cary Scott: That's all right, Howard.
Howard Hoffer: But I don't apologize for wanting you.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Rock Hudson's Home Movies (1992)

Soundtrack:

Joy to the World

Wyman and Hudson re-team for this classy melodrama

Due to the success of 1954's "Magnificent Obsession", Universal once again called on Jane Wyman, Rock Hudson, Agnes Moorehead, and director Douglas Sirk for this passionate, heart-gripping look at the hypocrisy of small-town America. Wyman, a rich widow in this well-to-do New England town, falls in love with her gardener (Hudson) and all hell breaks loose. Her community ridicules her and her grown children are horrified by her. She finds herself having to choose love or the respect of those around her.

The cinematography is beyond extraordinary, the score by Frank Skinner is unbelievably moving, Wyman is exquisite, and Sirk gives some of the best direction of his career. A really classy melodrama and completely worthwhile.