Jane Wyman, in the exacting role of Helen Phillips, plays the part heroically with sincerity and restraint, getting sympathy without asking for it. Rock Hudson gives his character life and strength.

Every step depends on stifled emotions and closely guarded secrets, resulting in a buildup of operatic passion that endows everyday gestures and inflections with grandeur and nobility.

[Sirk provides] a coolly formal approach to otherwise unwieldy projects.

Sirk's rich signature color palate is on full display for a winking adventure in high camp, in Technicolor no less.