Back Street

Back Street

1961 · 107 min · ★ 5.7 · Drama, Romance

Ambitious but thwarted, Rae Smith meets handsome U.S. Marine Paul Saxon, of the Saxon department store chain, as he passes through Lincoln, Nebraska, on his way home from World War II. There's a definite spark between them but circumstances intervene and he leaves town without her. Later she learns he's married. Determined to make it as a fashion designer, Rae moves to New York City and becomes a great success. One day she happens to meet Paul again and again there's that spark but he's still married so, as a form of escape, Rae moves to Rome to set up shop. Once again she meets Paul and finally they begin an actual affair since Paul's shrewish, drunken wife, Liz, won't give him a divorce. Time passes, the affair continues whenever time and place permit, but then, Paul's young son finds out about Rae and Rae's back-street world begins to crumble.

Directed by David Miller · Written by Eleanore Griffin

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Cast

Susan Hayward Rae Smith
John Gavin Paul Saxon
Vera Miles Liz Saxon
Charles Drake Curt Stanton
Virginia Grey Janey nee Smith
Reginald Gardiner Dalian
Tammy Marihugh Caroline
Robert Eyer Paul Saxon Jr.
Natalie Schafer Mrs. Evans
Doreen McLean Miss Hatfield
Alex Gerry Mr. Venner
Karen Norris Mrs. Penworth

Make it a double feature

3h 34m together

Back Street

Lonely are the Brave

Both from David Miller.

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