Susan Slade

People talk a lot about Douglas Sirk and Ross Hunter when it comes to glossy soap operas, but let's not forget about "written, directed, and produced by Delmar Daves." As a writer, Daves was responsible for some wonderful films such as "An Affair to Remember," "Dark Passage," and one of my favorites, "It All Came True." Once the late '50s hit, he was happier with the big glossy films for the younger set - "Rome Adventure," "Youngbood Hawke," "Parrish," "A Summer Place," and "Susan Slade," all of which he directed.

"Susan Slade" stars Troy Donahue, Connie Stevens, Lloyd Nolan, Brian Aherne, Bert Convy, and Dorothy McGuire. Stevens plays the title role, that of a sheltered young woman who's been living with her parents overseas. She becomes involved on the ship back to America with a mountain climber named Conn (Grant Williams) who loses his life on a mountain and leaves Susan pregnant. She has a couple of men after her: the brooding Hoyt Brecker (Donahue), whose father was involved in a scandal, and Wells Corbett (Bert Convy), the son of the Slades' best friends (Brian Aherne and Natalie Schaefer). Susan's loving parents (Lloyd Nolan and Dorothy McGuire) are very concerned that an illegitimate child will ruin Susan's life and her prospects.

Well, needless to say, this is pretty dated, considering nowadays most people have babies and don't think about getting married, if they do, until much later! So all the hoopla hearkens back to a different morality.

Connie Stevens is good, though I prefer her in lighter comedy, where she really shone; and Donahue looks good (by Palm Springs Weekend he'd really had it) and Daves knew how to direct him to his best advantage. However, he always did a lot with that brooding look. Bert Convy doesn't seem all that comfortable, or is it that I associate him with game shows, I don't know.

Stevens and Donahue are surrounded by a terrific cast of veterans, which also includes Kent Smith as the doctor.

"Susan Slade" is very lushly photographed and scored, with young, vital, good-looking leads. It's entertaining, as are all of the Daves films in this genre.

I just wanted to share that when this movie came out--I was living in Brooklyn, New York at the time. This is Connie's birthplace.

Well, she and Troy were on a big p.r. junket and went in person to several movie theatres in the NYC area.

So, she and Troy came out after the showing of the movie and talked and joked. At one point, Connie said, "I'm going to teach Troy how to twist." Everyone applauded this.

It was really cute.

Later on it was always written how much these two hated each other.

I was one of those teeny boppers who just "loved Troy" and melted every time I saw him on the screen.

The movie is outdated and we can all now be cynical and write about the outmoded dialogue, old-fashioned mores, and ridiculous plot devices. But, if that is done, you lose the reason for film in the first place.

This film, which I always enjoy, exhibits for all to see what the early '60s and late '50s were like. How parents were willing to sacrifice everything to save the name and reputation of their young daughter, and how a man who truly loves a woman does not prejudge, but understands, and is willing to understand.

This little movie says all of this to me.

And those gorgeous Northern California locations that are underscored with the Max Steinman music, are a treat to behold.

What a gem!!

I saw this movie when it was first released. It was a "must see" because my cousin and I were such Troy Donahue fans. I felt it was wonderful and would like to see it again - often! However, it is never shown on television and I have been unable to get information regarding purchasing it either on VHS or DVD. Please help! Perhaps it is a bit soap operaish but who cares. It is the kind of thing girls loved in 1961 and now that we are older, we like to remember by watching the same movies we saw back when.

I love a heartwarming movie, and especially a tear-jerker with a happy ending. The old movies are really unique in their meanings and it is hard to find a good movie in today's times. I would love to know how to purchase this movie and other old ones that are not available in stores. Here's To Another Great Film that a lot of People growing up today will probably never have the opportunity to see!

I too love this movie. It takes me back to my teenage years when I could sit in the theatre and watch the movie over and over again without having to pay extra! I loved Connie Stevens and Troy Donahue! But I can't watch this movie anymore because it is never shown in Australia and it is not available on video. I hope someday it will be!