In the grand theme of "stand behind your man" that was frequent in 1940s films, B.F.'s Daughter tries to tear down the formidable Barbara Stanwyck. She starts the film as the daughter of a millionaire tycoon and engaged to Richard Hart. Richard is kind, full of integrity, respectful, and gets along famously with his future father-in-law, Charles Coburn. When Barbara feels the need to rebel against the father she previously adored, she chooses the one man in the country her father would hate: Van Heflin. Van is a starving artist, disrespectful, rude, and has written countless essays and radio programs about how much he dislikes Charles Coburn. Anything else?
Barbara breaks everyone's hearts and elopes with Van, but their difference in classes creates conflict in their marriage. Every time they quarrel, the audience is supposed to hope they get back together but I kept hoping they'd throw in the towel so Barbara could return to the life she loved. Van was completely unlikable, and the only person my heart went out to was Charles. He's truly broken hearted over his daughter's choice and can see her entire life's unhappiness because of a moment's rebellion. He cries after she introduces him to Van, and it's very sad.
Obviously, I didn't like this movie, but if you like this genre-think Woman of the Year-you'll probably like it. I prefer my romances with a little more imagination and guts.
Barbara breaks everyone's hearts and elopes with Van, but their difference in classes creates conflict in their marriage. Every time they quarrel, the audience is supposed to hope they get back together but I kept hoping they'd throw in the towel so Barbara could return to the life she loved. Van was completely unlikable, and the only person my heart went out to was Charles. He's truly broken hearted over his daughter's choice and can see her entire life's unhappiness because of a moment's rebellion. He cries after she introduces him to Van, and it's very sad.
Obviously, I didn't like this movie, but if you like this genre-think Woman of the Year-you'll probably like it. I prefer my romances with a little more imagination and guts.