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Brooklyn born Susan Hayward had a 30 year career playing tough broads who hid a heart of gold underneath a steel exterior. "My Foolish Heart" is a wartime drama in which Hayward tells her story in flashback after admitting that she was once a nice girl. We then see her meeting soldier Dana Andrews, a handsome young man she falls head over heels in love with. War breaks out, and the two are torn apart. To say more would reveal plot twists best kept for a first viewing. However, what I will say is that don't let Hayward's hardness at the beginning of the film fool you: she is a truly vulnerable character capable of loving. The writers have created a very believable leading heroine, plus some wonderful supporting characters. Especially good is Robert Keith as her lovable dad who has a whiny wife (Jessie Royce Landis) to contend with. The scenes between Hayward and her parents are very well written, and almost as good as the love story itself. Andrews, although somewhat of a wooden actor, instills his character with warmth and charm that make the viewer understand why Hayward would fall so desperately in love. This is a top grade romantic drama for which Hayward was deservedly nominated for an Oscar. Its a shame that Keith was overlooked. There are some private scenes between Keith and Hayward that are truly riveting. Highly recommended!
score 7/10
mark.waltz 23 August 2001
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw0040690/ |
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1-3-2021 04:56:02