Kind-hearted Vivian Keeler (Booth), also known as Mrs. Leslie, runs a roominghouse in a suburban neighborhood. Through flashbacks, we discover that years earlier she had been a singer in a nightclub. At the club one night, she is introduced to the handsome, but rather quiet and reserved, George Leslie (Robert Ryan). The two hit it off, and after sharing lunch the next day, George asks Vivian to accompany him on a 6-week vacation to California. Vivian is concerned about the propriety of a trip with him, but he insists that it will just be as friends. His job, as a high-powered businessman, takes alot out of him, so he needs the relaxation, and Vivian's companionship would add to his enjoyment of the vacation.
When Vivian arrives in California, the house servants refer to her as Mrs. Leslie, a mistake that neither she nor George correct. True to his word that there are no strings attached, George shows Vivian to her own bedroom---a beautiful room overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Their time together, as they fish, swim, and read, is totally platonic; however, it brings happiness to both of them, and it is with sorrow that they part ways a few weeks later. Though they both cherish the time they had and hate to say goodbye, they promise to meet again for another 6-week vacation the following year.
In love with George, Vivian seeks to develop an interest in the things that interest him---namely, Civil War history---so that when they meet up the following year, she will be able to converse with him about the things he loves. For his part, George cares deeply for Vivian and longs to see her settled financially. At the end of their second vacation together, they again part with the promise to meet the following year.
Eventually, though, Vivian discovers that George is a married man and that his name is not even Leslie. She is totally devastated by this and fully intends to never see him again. When George realizes that Vivian has found out about him, he sets out to explain. How it all plays out is the balance of the film.
Tender and touching, About Mrs. Leslie is a definite tearjerker. I adore Robert Ryan and really enjoyed the opportunity to see him in something more than his usual "heavy" roles. He was quite believeable as the quiet, reserved George Leslie. Without question, this is my favorite of Ryan's films. Shirley Booth was wonderful in this heartbreaking role. While she's not generally thought of as a romantic actress, don't let that put you off from this film. I think the fact that she wasn't one of the "bombshell beauties" is what really makes this film work. Her character is just an ordinary, unglamorous, unpretentious gal, and since that is exactly what Shirley Booth was, she was perfect in this role. So, while Booth and Ryan may seem somewhat of an odd pairing, it definitely works beautifully in About Mrs. Leslie.
I don't think this film is out on DVD; however, it is available through Net Flix instant viewing...or, perhaps, TCM will put it on their schedule one day soon. Do try to catch it if you can...I think it's a must-see...and be sure to have the tissue box handy.
Happy viewing!!
