Das Ende einer Affaire (1955)

Das Ende einer Affaire: Directed by Edward Dmytryk. With Deborah Kerr, Van Johnson, John Mills, Peter Cushing. In WW2 London, a writer falls in-love with the wife of a British civil servant but both men suspect her of infidelity with yet another man.

“The Hays Moral Code specifically stated u0026quot;Adultery and illicit sex, sometimes necessary plot material, must not be explicitly treated or justified, or presented attractively.u0026quot; Still in effect at that time, this is certainly the most explicit treatment of the subject of adultery during the time of the codeu0026#39;s strict enforcement from 1935-1955. (u0026quot;Baby Dollu0026quot; released in December, 1956 goes a bit further).u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhile the movie should gets points for its explicit and adult treatment of the subject matter, the film does explicitly preach Catholicism which may be the reason that the theme was allowed. In the 1950u0026#39;s and early 1960u0026#39;s there was a Catholic anthology drama series on U.S. television which often dealt with serious issues like adultery, communism, abusive families, racism, incest, rape and abortion; issues that were almost never raised on television at the time. The show was apparently given a pass because it always ended with one character realizing the issues of his/her ways and having their soul redeemed by joining or rejoining the Catholic Church. This movie reminded me of that show.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe movie does have terrific performances by Deborah Kerr, Van Johnson, and Peter Cushing. It should be watched just for the performances. They underplay their roles beautifully and hit emotional high points in just the scenes that need them.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eGraham Greene is an excellent writer and knows how to keep a plot moving and constantly surprises the audience.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOne can dismiss this movie as Catholic Propaganda, but the movie is touching, thoughtful and well done. The Catholic Propaganda only mars it slightly, a small price to pay for the pleasure it brings. It is a good affair between two handsome/beautiful people, even if it ends with a bit of repentance and feelings of guilt.”