Mud life crisis caused by the return of an old admirer 1950s resolution

#692

491

If you're unfamiliar with Sirk then I have to warn you not to be fooled by the glossy appearance and corny premise, because There's Always Tomorrow is an excellent, intricate and thought-provoking family drama. A lot of these overlooked Sirk films are not as bombastic, so they've sadly been neglected by the modern "retro" crowd that digs the camp appeal of sharp corners and exaggerations. But apart from an ending that's too simple and shoddy, this is a gem like the rest of them.

Remarkably good soap opera. It relies too much on coincidence, but it's well-acted, and it's kinda nice to see a Hollywood movie that's an unabashed tribute to the virtues of home, marriage, and family. In other words, you give a flying you-know-what

# 463

Not one of Sirk's best, but it reflects some of his best qualities. Although one misses his sense of color, the compositions are strong and make good use of the frame. The subversive element is there, and quite out in the open as Sirk exposes the tedium and lack of fulfillment in a suburban, nuclear family. One feels that our protagonist would be unhappy no matter which path he chooses in the end ... an ending dictated by the Hayes Code, but which Sirk cleverly makes deliberately hollow.

700

Less satirical than other Sirk films but that doesn't hinder the subversiveness of the film and the melodrama is incredibly effective. Not only is the film thoroughly engaging, it avoids any easy answers to issues that Hollywood films tend to find pat resolutions for.