📽️ B.F.'s Daughter (1948) is a poignant romantic drama based on the best-selling novel by John P. Marquand. Directed by Robert Z. Leonard and starring Barbara Stanwyck and Van Heflin, this MGM production delves into the challenges of love, class, and political ideology during a time of deep social change in America.
This 1-hour and 19-minute film showcases the elegant production style of 1940s Hollywood while exploring the life of a privileged young woman who must reconcile her personal beliefs with those of the man she loves. The story is set against the backdrop of pre- and post-World War II tensions and the clashing ideals of capitalism and social reform.
🎭 Plot Summary:
Polly Fulton (Barbara Stanwyck) is the daughter of a wealthy industrialist, B.F. Fulton (Richard Hart). Raised in an environment of luxury and privilege, she nonetheless seeks to make a meaningful contribution to the world. While many around her expect her to settle into a comfortable marriage within her social circle, Polly has other ideas.
Enter Tom Brett (Van Heflin), a charismatic and fiercely independent writer and intellectual whose political leanings sharply contrast with Polly's conservative upbringing. Despite their differences, Polly and Tom fall in love, and she defies societal expectations by marrying him.
At first, their marriage thrives on mutual admiration and idealism. However, Tom's disdain for Polly’s background and her father’s wealth begins to breed resentment. As Tom gains political traction and notoriety for his anti-capitalist views, Polly struggles to balance her loyalty to both her husband and her family.
Things escalate when Tom’s career in Washington D.C. places him in the spotlight, forcing both him and Polly to confront their conflicting values. When Polly discovers that her father's business dealings may be ethically questionable, she is forced to choose between protecting her father’s legacy or standing by the man she married.
The film subtly critiques postwar America’s ideological divisions, portraying the inner conflict of a woman who wants to be both loyal and independent.
This 1-hour and 19-minute film showcases the elegant production style of 1940s Hollywood while exploring the life of a privileged young woman who must reconcile her personal beliefs with those of the man she loves. The story is set against the backdrop of pre- and post-World War II tensions and the clashing ideals of capitalism and social reform.
🎭 Plot Summary:
Polly Fulton (Barbara Stanwyck) is the daughter of a wealthy industrialist, B.F. Fulton (Richard Hart). Raised in an environment of luxury and privilege, she nonetheless seeks to make a meaningful contribution to the world. While many around her expect her to settle into a comfortable marriage within her social circle, Polly has other ideas.
Enter Tom Brett (Van Heflin), a charismatic and fiercely independent writer and intellectual whose political leanings sharply contrast with Polly's conservative upbringing. Despite their differences, Polly and Tom fall in love, and she defies societal expectations by marrying him.
At first, their marriage thrives on mutual admiration and idealism. However, Tom's disdain for Polly’s background and her father’s wealth begins to breed resentment. As Tom gains political traction and notoriety for his anti-capitalist views, Polly struggles to balance her loyalty to both her husband and her family.
Things escalate when Tom’s career in Washington D.C. places him in the spotlight, forcing both him and Polly to confront their conflicting values. When Polly discovers that her father's business dealings may be ethically questionable, she is forced to choose between protecting her father’s legacy or standing by the man she married.
The film subtly critiques postwar America’s ideological divisions, portraying the inner conflict of a woman who wants to be both loyal and independent.
Category
🎥
Short film