Smash-Up: The Story of a Woman

A radio singer's wife turns to self destruction through alcoholism when her husband's success interferes with their life. Although it looks dated now and obviously was not a big budget Hollywood film, but this was Hayward's breakthrough performance and deservedly earned her a first Oscar nomination.

There is a lot to like about this film and it's sure a shame that it's not better-known. Unfortunately, Miss Hayward was later given an Oscar for her WAAAAAY over the top performance in I WANT TO LIVE, whereas she only was nominated for this film. Oddly, Loretta Young won for THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER, a kooky and not particularly deep film--in my opinion Hayward definitely deserved the award. Perhaps she lost since she was a relative newcomer.

The reason I liked the film so much was that it was an excellent study of alcoholism as well as the contribution an enabling spouse can have on the drinking. This aspect of alcoholism was not explored in the award-winning LOST WEEKEND, plus LOST WEEKEND ended on a very unrealistic and overly optimistic note that just didn't ring true. In most ways, SMASH-UP was a better film (though the scenes of Ray Milland having DTs were incredible).

By the way, if you liked this film and want to see an even better film on drinking and a destructive relationship, try DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES--perhaps the best study of alcoholism ever put on screen.

A successful singer Angelica Evans (Susan Hayward) gives up her career and marries unsuccessful singer Ken Conway (Lee Bowman). She happily sacrifices for him and his partner (Eddie Albert). Eventually he DOES hit it big, she has a baby...but he never has time for her--his rising career comes first. She slowly drifts into alcoholism.

This was probably hard-hitting in 1947 (a female alcoholic) but it's not even remotely surprising today. It tiredly follows all the rules of a drama like this leading to a jaw-dropping happy ending that was TOTALLY unbelievable (but the Production Code demanded that). Also Bowman is pretty stiff as the husband and this looks pretty cheap (it WAS independently financed).

Still Hayward is so good all the shortcomings can be forgiven. She dives into the role full force and gives everything she has to it. This film (understandably) made her a star and earned her an Academy Award nomination. She's just incredible--it's worth sitting through just for her acting. Also Albert is very good in his supporting role.

So it is dated and really not that good--but worth seeing for Haywood's strong, impressive performance.

Smash Up (1947)

A moving, dramatic story of a singer and then wife and mother and her battle with alcohol. At first you don't know this is going to figure, and it seems to be about a female singer stepping aside to let her new husband's singing career rise. Which it does. And singing dominates the first half to the point of being a musical (and to the point that some viewers might give up on it).

But don't. It's a really good film, the voices are strong even if very old fashioned, and the leading woman's performance is all out, really terrific. She got an Oscar nomination for this role and it's no wonder.

The leading man was probably chosen for his silky rich voice, but Lee Bowman is a very natural actor, and he keeps up his end of the relationship. And this relationship suffers, thanks to career and to the sharp looking and devious Marsha Hunt playing a secretary who likes this singer too much. There are lots of great scenes of parties and night clubs, and even (by contrast) raising a baby. There are lots of movies with these kinds of themes, including a baby who has a brush with death (I give nothing more away), and everything is played out with elegance and smarts.

The elegance comes from great cinematographer Stanley Cortez ("Night of the Hunter") and the smarts come from director Stuart Heisler ("The Glass Key") who never quite rose to his potential in the industry, turning eventually to television. The supporting cast is terrific, including a very natural and likable Eddie Albert, but it's Hayward to eventually steals the show. See her!

Popular nightclub entertainer Angie Evans marries struggling but adoring musician husband Ken Conway, and she retires to raise a family. His career soars, and he dotes on her with his new wealth. Still, she sinks into alcoholism. Despite a weak second half, and a pat, disappointing ending (I can't help but think the current ending was changed from the original script and reshot, as was "Magnificent Ambersons") there is much to recommend "Smash-Up". First is Eddie Albert's flawless work as the Conways' gumchewing family friend and songwriting partner. Secondly, there are three great songs by Harold Adamson and Jimmy McHugh. One of these, "Hushabye Mountain", sung in the Conway nursery, is sheer screen magic. And the "Life Can Be Beautiful" theme will keep you humming for weeks. Another big positive is the exceptional cinematography which jumps in and out of film noir, even in the nursery sequences, and not necessarily during only the "crisis" moments, which is refreshing. Lee Bowman, an underrated and talented actor, gives some depth to the part of the sainted husband, and his work will hold the interest of those who usually avoid this sort of thing. Susan Hayward does circumvent most (but not all) of her chances to chew the scenery as she self-medicates herself in an effort to control her personal demons. Still, this film is hers. It's worth your time.