Hilda Crane (1956)

Twice divorced Hilda Crane, feeling she's run out of chances, returns to her mother's house in her small hometown and tries to decide what to do next while still hoping to hold onto her independence. That proves to be a challenge.

Director:

Philip Dunne

Writers:

Samson Raphaelson (play), Philip Dunne (screenplay based on stage play)

Stars:

Jean Simmons, Guy Madison, Jean-Pierre Aumont

Cast

Cast overview:
Jean Simmons	...	Hilda Crane Burns
Guy Madison	...	Russell Burns
Jean-Pierre Aumont	...	Prof. Jacques De Lisle (as Jean Pierre Aumont)
Judith Evelyn	...	Mrs. Stella Crane
Evelyn Varden	...	Mrs. Burns
Peggy Knudsen	...	Nell Bromley
Gregg Palmer	...	Dink Bromley
Richard Garrick	...	Dr. Joe Francis
Jim Hayward	...	Mr. Small
Sandee Marriott	...	Cab Driver
Don Shelton	...	Mr. Jensen - Caterer
Helen Mayon	...	Maureen - Hilda's Maid
Marie Blake	...	Clara - Mrs. Crane's Housekeeper (as Blossom Rock)
Jay Jostyn	...	Minister

Storyline

Twice divorced Hilda Crane, feeling she's run out of chances, returns to her mother's house in her small hometown and tries to decide what to do next while still hoping to hold onto her independence. That proves to be a challenge.

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Plot Keywords:

based on play | character name as title | female protagonist | suicide attempt | smoking | 

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Taglines:

I want to live like a man ... and still be a woman!

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in Far from Heaven (2002)

User Reviews

I think Hilda's a bit of an idiot...perhaps you won't agree.

Hilda Crane (Jean Simmons) is a woman who was just divorced for the second time and she's returned to her old home town to visit with her mother...and perhaps pick up a new husband in the process. The problem is that she's narrowed it down to two guys---both of which would make horrible husbands. Evidently Hilda's learned nothing during her adult life.

The problem with Russell (Guy Madison) is that she really doesn't love him, he's a 'momma's boy' and his mother is incredibly difficult. The mother is worried about her son marrying a woman twice divorced (a very reasonable concern) but she handles it about as badly as possible by being manipulative and vicious. As for the other guy, the Professor (Jean-Pierre Aumont), she loves him...though his intentions are simply dishonorable. He is passionate and offers thrills...but he essentially wants her as a mistress and makes no bones about it. Oddly, the film acts as if these two putzes are her only options. Marrying a goat would make more sense than either of these two guys.

"Hilda Crane' is well made. But the film is a difficult sell because it's hard to like or respect the titular character. Instead of remarrying, she could use some time out as well as therapy! And, by the end of the movie, it's obvious that she's suffering from a mental illness or a personality disorder. In this sense, the film is very interesting...even if you don't like Hilda or care about her poor life choices. Worth seeing but not one of Simmons' more enjoyable pictures.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 May 1956 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hilda Crane

Filming Locations:

University of Nevada-Reno - 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (magnetic prints) (Westrex Recording System) Mono (optical prints) (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1