NOTES: Locations in the fishing village of Polperro, Cornwall. Interiors filmed at Elstree Studios, London. COMMENT: Out of a dime- store women's novel, Stanley Mann has constructed a screenplay of stupefying boredom, indifferently acted, and directed with suitable dullness. The film's only attractive feature is Jack Hildyard's black- and-white VistaVision photography, particularly of the locations in a small village in Cornwall. For a while there, it looked as if VistaVision was going to pose as a serious rival to CinemaScope, but this didn't happen. The fact that VistaVision (a non-anamorphic process achieved by the simple expedient of running standard 35mm film horizontally – instead of vertically – through the camera) produced a much sharper image failed to impress audiences who were sold on the much wider 'Scope screen.

More focus has been placed on the goings on behind the story rather than what really should have been the focus. I must say that the set-up of this film was dull as dust with the romance of two journalists played by the very attractive Lana Turner and Sean Connery. He is suddenly killed in a plane crash just as the war ends and Turner finds herself in the village where she finds herself a guest of his charming wife Glynis Johns and their young son. Guilt and memories set Turner up for a break-down. Unfortunately, this isn't an affair to remember even if the scenes with Johns become very touching. That lovely squeaky voice and absolute charming demeanor make you want to hug her from the moment you meet her and it only serves to show what an ice princess Turner was. She could be certainly lovely and dominate attention, but a coldness oozes off her lovely shoulders showing that she was never allowed to grow past that sweater girl image and truly become a woman. Barry Sullivan, top billed in the male lead, seems embarrassed with his lack of a role. If it wasn't for Ms. Johns, this would be a true turkey.

Everybody around here seems to be criticizing this fine piece of melodrama. It feels like a duty to say some good things to save it right away. I only heard about the title yesterday from Amazon, and then, in the afternoon, a friend of mine offered to lend it to me. I appreciated the coincidence. I've just finished watching it, and must confess I really enjoyed the show. The image is great, Lana Turner is beautiful. I will accept the fact that it's not as original as other melodramas, but it definitely uses all the ropes we love about this kind of movies. So my mark here is seven, I had a great time and I would advise anyone interested in melodramas to have a look at it on a sunny day, just before going to the beach. And dream while watching seagulls in the sky.

Sean Connery and Lana Turner are journalists who fall in love, in this enjoyable war time melodrama. Connery plays Mark Trevors, a radio reporter for the BBC and Turner plays Sara Scott, posted in London working for an American newspaper. Their relationship, which is never fully developed, has a sting in the tail. The second half of the story takes place in Cornwall, and although filmed in black and white, the scenery is still alluring. Turner, who gets most of the screen time, gives a decent performance and Connery, who at the time was relatively unknown, demonstrates the charisma which makes him a potent screen presence.