The Affairs of Susan

The Affairs of Susan (1945)

Genres - Drama, Romance, Comedy  |   Sub-Genres - Romantic Comedy, Sophisticated Comedy  |   Release Date - Jul 8, 1945 (USA - Unknown), Jul 8, 1945 (USA)  |   Run Time - 110 min.  |   Countries - United States  |   MPAA Rating - NR
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Review by Craig Butler

One of the least known Joan Fontaine vehicles, The Affairs of Susan is also one of the few comedies that Fontaine made in this period. The plot contains a great set-up: three ex-lovers describe Fontaine's character, with each of them making her sound like a totally different woman. Sure, it's predictable, and the opportunity to use this premise as a keen character investigation is fudged in favor of a light, escapist comedy; but it's also the kind of premise that one would have to work hard at to make go wrong. Fontaine clearly relishes the opportunity to be (essentially) four different people. It would be easy enough to let the make-up and costumes do most of the acting, but Fontaine is too smart an actress for that, and she makes this little lark sparkle and bubble merrily along. As for the men, Walter Abel doesn't do too much with his part, and Don DeFore does only slightly better, but Dennis O'Keefe is fine and George Brent quite good. William Seiter's direction is smooth and assured; it doesn't go in for surprises, unfortunately, but it also makes sure that no bumps come along to upset this delicate little cart.