Written on the Wind

Dir: Douglas Sirk

1956

***

Douglas Sirk's classic melodrama is based on the real-life scandal that involved singer Libby Holman and husband and Tobacco tycoon Zachary Smith Reynolds, although the similarities in story are only very slight. Written on the Wind sees Robert Stack play Kyle, the heir of a wealthy Oil tycoon, who's spoiled childhood and early death of his mother lead to insecurities and early alcoholism. His sister Marylee (played by the brilliant Dorothy Malone) is also rather self-destructive and spends most of her time luring young men to bed and tormenting those close to her. When Kyle falls for Lucy (Lauren Bacall), a young secretary from New York, he rushes her into marriage, unaware that his childhood best friend Mitch (Rock Hudson) is also in love with her. Things are complicated further when Marylee becomes jealous of Lucy's attention and vocal regarding her love for Mitch. Melodramas don't come much more melodramatic than this. The story is only really made more interesting by the fact that Kyle and Marylee are wealthy, giving the film stunning locations, beautiful cars and stunning interiors as back-drop. The real appeal of the film is the great performances. Dorothy Malone packs a punch when up against the force that is Lauren Bacall, both actresses are perfect. Robert Stack wasn't as good an actor as Rock Hudson but Hudson was generous enough to give him the space he needed to really expand the character. While the first half of the film is a little slow and uninteresting, the second half makes up for it with suspense, mystery, wonderful script and some unforgettable performances.