痴心女子负心郎[电影解说]

Joseph Shearing, a renowned Victorian-era novelist, specialized in using real-life events to create fictional settings. In 1947, his novel MOSS ROSE was adapted into the film version, marking the first adaptation of one of his novels for the silver screen. The same year saw two more of his works being adapted for the big screen: THE MARK OF CAIN and FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS. In 1948, Todd played a recently widowed missionary returning to England from Jamaica on board a ship. During her voyage, she meets Milland, a charming yet dangerous rogue who is wanted by police for some unsavory dealings. Milland contracts malaria while onboard the ship, and Todd nurses him back to health. In London, Todd settles into her home and takes in boarders to make ends meet. Milland arrives and moves in, proclaiming his love for her. However, it seems apparent that Milland is merely flirting with her. Milland finds some letters written to her by her friend Fitzgerald, which reveal some of her sexual indiscretions. Since Fitzgerald is now married to the wealthy Huntley, Milland believes he can use the letters to blackmail him. Todd's love for Milland is so great that she goes along with the plan. However, Huntley learns of the scheme and also uncovers details of Milland's shady past. Fearing for her lover's safety, Todd poisons Huntley, then remains silent when Fitzgerald is arrested for the murder. Milland has since genuinely fallen in love with Todd and the two make plans to leave England together. Before they can depart, one of Milland's former lovers shows up and Todd, in a jealous rage, kills Milland. Then, she turns herself into the police. This film is an intriguing watch, although it does tend to get a bit talky at times. The performances are excellent throughout, with Milland shining as the cad, the type of role in which he excelled. Though he spent most of his time making films in the US, he occasionally returned to his native England for a production, this being his first British film since FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS in 1939. Director Allen was also an Englishman who chose to work in the US, this being his first directorial effort in his homeland. This was the fourth and last time Milland and Allen would work together, their pairing having begun in 1944 with the wonderfully eerie THE UNINVITED.