The Decision of Christopher Blake

Odd film from the 1946 play by Moss Hart, who was not involved with the film.

Alexis Smith and Robert Douglas star as a divorcing couple who try hard not to drag their son, Ted Donaldson, through their mud. The film see much of its actions through the day dreams of the boy which are set in front of his drawings. Very clever and for 1948 a new topic and somewhat cutting edge.

For Hart though this was old stuff as he had already dealt with psychoanalysis in his groundbreaking smash-hit music Lady in the Dark, which starred Gertrude Lawrence on stage and Ginger Rogers on film. But this film is not without its moments.

Co-stars include Mary Wickes, Cecil Kellaway, Harry Davenport, John Hoyt, and Lois Maxwell as the secretary.

I have been ill and unable to comment on movies for several months, but I couldn't pass this one by:

In many ways like a filmed play, this movie includes several scenes set against backdrops made to look like a child's (presumably he title character's) drawing.

He is the son of parents who are -- gasp! -- about to divorce. For its time, it may have been adventuresome but it seems quite melodramatic psychologically in that respect when viewed today.

Alexis Smith is the mother, to whom he seems so close as to presage romantic movies such as Murmur of the Heart and harsher ones like Spanking the Monkey. I like her and like the director but she seems to have been directed to stare blankly to show her distress and confusion.

It reminded me of The Guilt of Janet Ames in terms of the stagy dream sequences; ut it is considerably better than that hilarious mess.

This is a beautifully done film, a very tender and sensitive story, perfectly acted and staged with great imagination. Max Steiner created a superbly melodic and emotional score which expertly brings together the psychological and emotional themes, and Karl Freund gives an excellent German expressionistic look to the fantasy sequences. One of the most unusual and captivating Hollywood films of that era. Especially enjoyable is the central performance by child actor Ted Donaldson. All of the other performances, especially Cecil Kellaways, are equally fine. An important film, sadly overlooked, with an even more important message. See it!!!