Cast
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Jennifer Jones
as Dr. Han Suyin
William Holden
as Mark Elliott
Torin Thatcher
as Humphrey Palmer-Jones
Isobel Elsom
as Adeline Palmer-Jones
Murray Matheson
as Dr. John Keith
Virginia Gregg
as Anne Richards
Richard Loo
as Robert Hung
Soo Yong
as Nora Hung
Philip Ahn
as Third Uncle
Jorja Curtright
as Suzanne
Donna Martell
as Suchen, Suyin's sister
Keye Luke
as Lee Foo
Marie Tsien
as Rosie Wu
Walter Soo Hoo
as Third Brother (uncredited)
James Hong
as Fifth Brother (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Henry King
Producer
- Buddy Adler
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Henry King brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1955, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 150 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 118 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 978 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1955, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Gone with the Wind, which focuses more on action than character development, Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like 2046 and Brief Encounter explore similar territory, Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 18, 1955
- Runtime: 1h 42m
