A Stranger in My Arms

High-quality romantic drama from the master producer Ross Hunter, this lesser-known among his hits benefits from a terrific cast, all contributing key scenes and moments.

Not one of German director Helmut Kautner's classic movies, he still deserves credit for getting such a set of acting at top quality. Not just the leads, with Jeff Chandler and Mary Astor providing high drama, but surprising contributions by Sandra Dee as Mary's bratty daughter and Conrad Nagel as Mary's slow-burn husband.

The story of possessiveness and being true to yourself seems like a soap opera vehicle for June Allyson but it's so much more. Flashbacks of Chandler and June's late husband Peter Graves battling in a raft during the war build suspensefully to a final reveal of what actually happened. I was deeply immersed in the problems and secrets of this set of characters, and rewarded with a serious, moving feature.