Films

A Life of Her Own (MGM 1950)

A lobby card for 1950's "A Life of Her Own".

Production Dates: January 26, 1950-Late March, 1950. Retakes filmed during mid-April, 1950

Release Date: September 1, 1950.

Credited Cast and Crew:

Lana Turner, Ray Milland, Tom Ewell, Louis Calhern.

Directed by: George Cukor

Writing Credits: Isobel Lennart

Produced by: Voldemar Vetluguin

Original Music by: Bronislau Kaper

Cinematography by: George J. Folsey

Synopsis: Small town girl Lily James finds fame, fortune and love in the big city-with strings attached.

My Review: While probably not one of the highlights of Lana Turner's long career, I didn't find this film to be half as terrible as history has made it out to be. Lana had been away from the screen for some two years when she returned to MGM studios to make this film and she looked a little bit more mature than when audiences had last seen her as the evil Lady De Winter in 1948's The Three Musketeers. She had gained some weight while she was away, causing her to look a bit more matronly (though a more active, less indulgent lifestyle would help her to get her figure back by the time she was ready to shoot The Merry Widow in '52). The problem with this film (IMO) is that the script wasn't one that should have been used for a comeback. It's pretty formulaic, rags to riches stuff and probably the only reason that it succeeds on any level is the fact that Lana, Ray Milland and George Cukor were old pros who knew how to make the most out of what they were given.

But I don't want to give you all mixed signals. If you're sitting home alone on a Friday night at 3 am and this film comes on, give it a try. It's not a film that is ever going to change the world but to see Lana play "drunk" twice in one film (and very convincingly at that!) is worth the price of admission for me.

Your Review: What are YOUR thoughts on this film? Contact me at Liza@lanaturneronline.com

Highlights and Trivia

* The role of Steve Harleigh was originally supposed to be played by Wendell Corey until, after having a falling out on the set with Lana, he was replaced at the last minute by Ray Milland (note to film buffs: Try to catch Milland's brilliant performance as an alcoholic in 1945's The Lost Weekend).

* This was Lana's first film in two years. After she completed work on The Three Musketeers in 1948, MGM suspended her for refusing to do another costume drama. She spent the next two years on an extended honeymoon with then hubby, Bob Topping.

* Viewers will notice that Lana looks a little heavier than in years gone by. During her two years away from "Metro" her self indulgent lifestyle began to catch up with her, causing her to gain 30 pounds.

 

Photo Gallery

Lana having her hair done between scenes of "A Life of Her Own" in 1950.    Making an important call in "A Life of Her Own" (1950). Lou Valentino Collection    Lana taking a break during the filming of "A Life of Her Own" in 1950.    Lana rehearsing a (lipsinched) song and dance number for 1950's "A Life of Her Own". Take note of the "Lana Turner" cabinet with the water pitcher on it, in the background.    Lana lost in thought in 1950's "A Life of Her Own".    Lana being dipped by Hermes Pan in 1950's "A Life of Her Own". Lou Valentino Collection    Lana acts out a scene while a young costar and Anne Dvorak look on in 1950's "A Life of Her Own".    A lobby card for 1950's "A Life of Her Own".

A lobby card for 1950's "A Life of Her Own".    A lobby card for 1950's "A Life of Her Own".    Lana and Anne Dvorak in a tense scene from 1950's "A Life of Her Own".    Lana, LB Mayer, Ray Milland and an unknown actor behind the scenes of "A Life of Her Own" in 1950.   

 

 

 

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