In the terrific interview with Director Douglas Sirk that is included with this Criterion DVD - he explains that Universal-International executives were intrigued by this film's title. They were convinced audiences would anticipate being given ALL that heaven allowed in a movie. Sirk himself says he thought the title was a limitation, saying of all the struggles that the characters go through - is this all that will be allowed to them? Is this all that life is worth?

Producer Ross Hunter, Sirk, and co-stars Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson had enjoyed a tremendous success in 1954 with a film version of Lloyd C. Douglas' 'Magnificent Obsession.' This was the follow-up. Sirk says he enjoys this film more, because he was not tied to the religious overtones of Douglas' story. It is rife with mid-fifties morality, fashions, cars, and decor.

Young widow Cary Scott (Wyman) has a beautiful home, two grown children Kay (Gloria Talbot) and Ned (William Reynolds), and a very good friend Sara (Agnes Moorehead). Something is missing in her life, though. As she is told late in the film by her doctor (Hayden Rorke), "Face it, Cary - you were ready for a love affair, but not for love."

It is has come to her in the form of her landscape gardener, Ron Kirby (Rock Hudson). And what a form it is! Hudson has never been more vulnerable. We see him in carefully pressed flannel shirts and khaki pants, working with his hands, and pointing out the virtues of nature. The film takes place in fall with its bright colored leaves, and the following winter with snow....melting into spring. These colors and the passing seasons are reflected in the emotions of the major characters.

Cary asks Ron to join her for tea when Sara has to beg off. Sitting on her patio with Ron, Cary sees her environment and herself in a new light.

There are conflicts with the children. In "Magnificent Obsession", Wyman had Barbara Rush as her stepdaughter. Here she is saddled with an actress of more limited talent and beauty, Gloria Talbot. As Kay, she wears glasses and eventually is disavowed of her non-romantic notions by a burly football player. Son Ned is a handsome college student who is embarrassed by his mother's love for Ron whom he characterizes as a "...set of muscles." The town is abuzz with the rumors and gossip Mona Plush (Jacqueline de Wit) is an eager teller of tales.

Cary visits Ron's home - and convinces him to convert a barn on the property into a home - which he does, hoping they will live there together. A lovely broken teapot is used as a symbol of their growing relationship.

Ron takes Cary to visit his friends Alida and Mick Anderson (Virginia Grey and Charles Drake). As they pull up, Cary is taken with the simplicity of the lives of the Andersons. Alida talks frankly to Cary about Ron's life and what he personally has meant to them. Many other friends join them. Ron sings a song called "Flirty Eyes" and they dance.

The children convince Cary to break off the relationship. In its place, they give her a television set, delivered on Christmas Eve. She sits, broken-hearted, looking at her reflection in the screen.

There is Thoreau, the Stoningham Country Club dance, and the handsome Rock Hudson. One moment in the film struck me as oddly familiar. It is the first scene with Ron, Cary, and the Andersons. As Cary looks on, Ron and Mick share a laugh and Cary is sure it is at her expense. It is awkward moment, beautifully played. There is an identical moment in a film made decades later: "Maurice." On the morning after Maurice (James Wilby) and Scudder (Rupert Graves) make love for the first time, there is a cricket match going on. As Maurice looks on, Scudder and his pals have a good laugh, and Maurice is certain it is at his expense. Cinema moments of same feelings in vastly different circumstances -or are they?

The performances of Wyman and Hudson are remarkable. Wyman is photographed carefully, but still seems too old for Hudson. Moorehead is key to the film and is very well-dressed. Grey and Drake make a fine couple, and in fact would play together again years later in producer Hunter's remake of "Back Street." Never was HDT's philosophy more lushly presented. He may have been appalled, but we can be delighted.

With a screenplay by Peg Fenwick, photography by Russell Metty, and music by Frank Skinner, "All That Heaven Allows" is a wonderful film to watch. The DVD is well transferred in the original theatrical aspect. The extras, including the BBC interview with Sirk, the original trailer, collection of stills and publicity, and an illustrated essay by Rainer Werner Fassbinder are well presented and easy to access.

A fine addition to your DVD collection. This may not be all that heaven allows - but it was certainly all that Universal-International, Ross Hunter, and Douglas Sirk could give us.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day