Movie Review: My Forbidden Past (1951)
Synopsis: Barbara Beaurevel is an attractive woman and, thanks to an inheritance, also very wealthy. However, her grandmother's scandalous past is something she must keep secret to avoid being an outcast in 1890s New Orleans. As a result of this, and blackmail from her cousin, Paul, Barbara chooses not to travel with her lover, Dr. Mark Lukas, and when he returns to New Orleans, is devastated to learn Mark is now married to Corinne. Determined to get Mark back, Barbara offers Paul $50,000 to seduce Corinne and break up the married couple. Her plan has an unexpected twist however, Corinne's sudden and suspicious death.
Who's in it? The movie stars Ava Gardner, Robert Mitchum, Melvyn Douglas, Janis Carter and Lucile Watson.
Review: I came across My Forbidden Past on one of my movie channels last night and while I wasn't completely sure about the plot as it was described, I am a big enough of an Ava Gardner fan to give it a try. I was pleased to discover it was a good choice.
I think the most intriguing thing about this movie is Barbara (Gardner) herself. On one hand, she could be considered a victim because, even though she ends up with plenty of money, both Paul (Douglas) and her aunt (Watson) are able to keep her somewhat caged because of her grandmother's unsavory past and the truth about where the money came from.
At the same time, I'm not so certain that money didn't change Barbara for the worse either. Her pursuit of Mark (Mitchum) honestly seemed less about love and more about trying to claim a prize she thought was rightfully hers. Of course, to be fair, the same could probably also be said about Mark's wife, Corinne (Carter), who admitted she knew her husband was on the rebound when she met him and was awfully quick to consider an affair with Paul.
Ironically, after watching the film, I am not convinced Mark was even worth the fuss. I mean, for a guy who supposedly was in love with her, he was certainly quick to move on to the next pretty face, and it wasn't as though you could even explain it away by saying he had money. Considering she had at least one other suitor that I think would have been much more loyal, her obsession over the one that got away honestly didn't make any sense. I will admit, however, that also might just be because I am a guy and a dad with two daughters.
My only real complaint (other than what I mentioned about Mark) is the movie wasn't long enough. By the time the film got to the main part of the plot - a dead Corinne, a guilty Paul and an accused Mark, there just wasn't enough time left to give it the proper amount of drama and suspense. While there was no doubt to the decision Barbara would make - save Mark or protect her reputation, the movie ends before we are given a clear answer about what happens next. Even an additional 5-10 minutes showing glimpse at Barbara's life a few months or a year later would have sufficed.
Final Opinion: Ava Gardner, as usual, was fantastic and I thought the overall plot, helped by a strong supporting cast, made this movie a good watch. It's a film I'd recommend.
My Grade: A
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Here are some reviews of other movies from 1951:
Movie Review: The Red Badge of Courage (1951)Movie Review: Another Man's Poison (1951)
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