The Other Love

There's a weird mystical mood over The Other Love (1947). No idea why, for there is nothing mysterious about this mildly destructive romance. I guess this would be an example of following contemporary film noir trends and applying it to a standard love triangle. Perhaps to cover-up what the story lacked? And in that regard it sort of helped, for the atmosphere made this thing! Barbara Stanwyck naturally manages to shine regardless.

Not one of Stanwyck's more memorable roles. Yet, even though the writers reduced Remarque's story to limp, sodden melodrama, Stanwyck manages to make her character resemble a real, vital person--no mean feat. She looks fabulous, and her clothes are gorgeous--of course they're by Edith Head. David Niven is like an irritating, smarmy schoolmaster. No wonder she runs off with rakish Richard Conte--a girl's gotta have a LITTLE bit of fun! Naming it Mont Vierge (Virgin Mount) was an amusing touch.