Olivia De Havilland is a timid, quiet, plain but sweet young woman who is living in the shadow of her emotionally abusive father. All she wants is to find her place in life and that one great love. Montgomery Clift pretends to be that love but he has hidden, greedy motives which reveal themselves in a cruel way. In learning what love is, De Havilland's character is hit with two cruel blows. One is finding out her father has little regard for her, and the other is learning her special love cares only for the money she inherits.
But in these blows, she finally finds a backbone. She stands up to her father and then becomes strong in dealing with this man who deserted her. It is so ironic at the end when Montgomery Clift is pounding at the door, and De Havilland is walking up the stairs. As he watches the light fading away, it is a symbol of his chances of riches fading away also. For De Havilland it is both sad and strengthening..sad because her sweet innocence is gone, but strengthening because she can finally extinguish the love for this callous and thoughtless man.
But in these blows, she finally finds a backbone. She stands up to her father and then becomes strong in dealing with this man who deserted her. It is so ironic at the end when Montgomery Clift is pounding at the door, and De Havilland is walking up the stairs. As he watches the light fading away, it is a symbol of his chances of riches fading away also. For De Havilland it is both sad and strengthening..sad because her sweet innocence is gone, but strengthening because she can finally extinguish the love for this callous and thoughtless man.
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