Come Back, Little Sheba (1952)

Shirley, We Hardly Knew Ye
I grew up with Shirley Booth as the sweet but annoying Hazel (who would have this busybody as their maid? And who in 2008 can afford a maid?) I saw this movie on an television station late night movie. Her performance as the needy, loving, but pitiful woman tore me up & down. I remembering sobbing at the sadness of their lives. Burt Lancaster is also compelling as the younger, drunken Doc. In fact, I thought his youth, relative to hers, was an intentional part of the plot. The "older" woman seducing this studly young med student, who did the "right thing." It may seem old fashioned now - I laughed out loud at the woman who wrote she should get a life. To wit I would say, read a book about life before the Women's Movement in the 1970's. Not the movie who's myopic here. Don't know if you would want to buy the film unless you've already seen it and know what a tour de force Shirley Booth's performanc is. But if you have seen it, and love well written, well acted drama about imperfect people in an imperfect world, this film is for you. PS - I am going to see S. Epatha Merkerson attempt this role on Broadway. Love S. Epatha but she's got some big shoes to fill!

rather boring, actually
I realize why so many others gave this the highest rating. However, I
just could not help thinking - this woman needs to get a life. She is so
needy. Every time she called her husband "daddy" I wanted to scream.
She spends the vast majority of her time trying to get the dullard's
attention and approval.

The outcome is so predictable. The wife welcomes a sexy little college
student into their home as a symbolic replacement for the baby she lost
many years before. And the husband's interest is at first non-existent
and then becomes more than fatherly.

Maybe I have heard this story too many times. I don't know, but I had
hoped for something at least a little more subtle.

Amazing Performances In "Come Back Little Sheba"
Shirley Booth gives the kind of performance that one rarely sees in a lifetime. Burt Lancaster holds his own in a powerful performance. After seeing this movie, you understand why no one has had the nerve to attempt a remake. Why bother!