#MyReputation (1946) :
Maybe just too pure for American culture.
My Reputation is something I adoreโpurityโbut I don't understand how American culture can be so backward. As an Indian, I can understand if a widow is not allowed to see another man, but in American society, it's not that taboo. I have seen thousands of old Hollywood movies and at least hundreds of romantic dramas where having a platonic affair outside of marriage, an extramarital affair, or even a sexual affair is quite common. Then comes a film like this that raises the question of what kind of society America was in the mid-20th century. I won't mention many of those lesser-known films, but take Gone With The Wind (1939), for instance; that film shows a married woman fancying another man, even after having a daughter with her husband. They didn't really showcase it as a taboo subject, nor did the audience object. Then why does a film like My Reputation make second love such a big issue? It's not that I have a problem with the subject; I rather like it, but it's not suitable to the image of Western culture I have in my mind. Regardless of this debate, I found My Reputation to be a very good film, except for the corny climax. It was good to see a man being so responsible and understanding, letting his girl marry someone else and even suggesting the same himself, but then the same guy had to say, "I am coming back; will you wait for me?" Stop being so mediocre, brother. The woman, who finally found enough courage to make her own decision, succumbs to her immature sons' demand. A 33-year-old woman can't be that childish. Excluding these few flaws, I don't think there is anything else to criticize. It's genuinely a very fine film and quite engaging too. Barbara Stanwyck is outstanding; she alone is worthy of those 90 minutes. Moreover, Curtis Bernhardt's seamless direction definitely makes it a good outing.
RATING - 6/10*
#CurtisBernhardt #BarbaraStanwyck #GeorgeBrent #EveArden #LucileWatson #ScottyBeckett #BobbyCooper #MovieReview #FilmReview #OldHollywood