East Side, West Side (1949)

How the other half (used to) live??

Its understandable, in many ways, why audiences were fascinated with flicks like this...after all, we were coming out of a terrible war, and most would never have wealth like this film depicts...for that matter, most would never be as beautiful as Ava Gardner or as debonaire as James Mason. So this sort of film gives some good sociological reasons for its existence...frankly, though, nothing ELSE does. A real turkey but tries to pass as a steak dinner. May 6, 2008

"I'll call him and he'll come running"

Jessie (Barbara Stanwyck) is the wife of Brandon Bourne (James Mason). Brandon had an affair with Isabel Lorrison (Ava Gardner) in the past, but she went to Europe and Jessie and Brandon reconciled. Jessie loves Brandon terribly, but when she hears that Isabel is back in town, she's afraid. Her fears are confirmed as Brandon and Isabel continue their relationship. Meanwhile, Mark Dwyer (Van Heflin), an agent for the government, falls in love with Jessie. Jessie likes Mark but only wants to be friends with him because she loves her husband, even though he cheats on her. One day, Isabel calls Jessie and tells her to come to her apartment. Jessie comes and they get into an argument. Jessie leaves with Mark and two hours later, Brandon goes to Isabel's apartment, finding her dead. Who killed her?

This typical melodrama is saved by its all-star cast and good performances from all stars, but Stanwyck and Gardner give the best performances by far. Gardner is excellent as the self-proclaimed "cheap" harlot who knows how to make a man want her and keep on wanting her and Stanwyck shines in her wronged-wife character. Incidentally, Gardner and Robert Taylor, Stanwyck's husband at the time, had just had an affair during the filming of "The Bribe". I detect a hint of art imitates life here, especially in the scene where Isabel and Jessie have their little talk in Isabel's apartment, perhaps the most powerful scene in the film.

Fans of Stanwyck or Gardner should like this movie, even though it's not the best of the former nor the latter. But it's rather enjoyable, somewhat predictable, and overall good. November 3, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...