"Not Wanted" stands out not only for its bold subject matter at the time but also as the unofficial directorial debut of Ida Lupino. Initially helmed by Elmer Clifton, Lupino took over the project just three days into shooting after Clifton suffered a heart attack. Even though she allowed Clifton to retain credit, Lupino exhibited exceptional narrative control, foreshadowing her subsequent influence as a director in Hollywood.
The film follows the story of Sally Kelton (played by Sally Forrest), a 19-year-old waitress caught between the social taboos of her era and her own desires. Sally falls for Steve Ryan (Leo Penn), a charismatic and ambitious pianist. After a brief night together, Steve leaves town, and Sally follows, rejecting the affections of a wounded war veteran (Keefe Brasselle), who represents a more stable, conventional choice. When Sally discovers she's pregnant, she faces internal and external conflicts that highlight the social constraints on women in the 1940s.
One of Lupino's greatest achievements is her ability to tackle issues like unwanted motherhood, social guilt, and the limited choices available to women with a sensitivity and realism unusual for the time. Instead of resorting to conventional melodrama, Lupino adopts a near-documentary approach, using tender, intimate close-ups to capture Sally's vulnerability and impractical passion. One of the film's most memorable sequences takes place in a hospital where Sally's hallucination becomes a low-budget masterpiece of expressionism, reflecting her confusion and distress.
Sally's transition from a small town to the big city symbolizes her struggle to break free from social restrictions and the expectations of her former life. However, this pursuit of freedom also exposes her to society's harsh judgments and stigma against women who challenge established norms.
"Not Wanted" is also notable for its brisk pacing and sensitive direction of actors, who bring nuance and humanity to their roles. Sally Forrest's performance is particularly moving, conveying her character's internal struggle with an authenticity that elevates the material.
