The Proud and Profane, from 1956, is a wartime romance starring William Holden and Deborah Kerr. Holden plays Colonel Colin Black, a gruff, hard Marine officer stationed in the south Pacific during WWII. Deborah Kerr is Lee Ashley, a woman whose Marine husband was killed at Guadalcanal. Wanting to find out about her husband's death, Lee joins the Red Cross efforts in the Pacific, hoping that in time she will be able to travel to Guadalcanal.
Colonel Black is immediately attracted to the beautiful widow and seeks to dominate her time. Lee, however, does not care for the colonel's hard, cynical attitude and really wants nothing to do with him. However, since she is told that Colin knew her husband and was with him shortly before he was killed, she begins spending time with him. Before long, even against her will, Lee falls in love with Colin. One evening, when Lee refuses his physical advances, Colin asks her if it would make any difference if he asked her to marry him. Of course, it does make a difference, and they begin a physical affair. (Nothing is ever shown...you just know it happens.)
All is not as it would appear, however. There are secrets between Lee and Colin, and how those secrets are revealed plays out through the rest of the movie. If this sounds interesting, you will have to watch for yourself to see what happens. (As far as I know, this movie is only available through Net Flix instant viewing, so if you're not a Net Flix member, you might not have a chance to see this one.)
Just some random thoughts (opinions) from me about this movie...William Holden is, as always, fabulous to look at, though I must admit, I really don't care for him with the mustache he was sporting here. Definitely keep that handsome face clean shaven!! Deborah Kerr, though really good in this role, seemed an odd choice for pairing with Holden. I didn't think there was a great deal of chemistry between them. Also, knowing the casual-sex mindset that is so prevalent today, this movie, with its storyline of no physical intimacy without promise of commitment, seems quite dated. (One of many reasons I so appreciate the classics!) Finally, the scene in the cemetery near the end of the movie, where Kerr's character finds the answer she seeks, is extremely profound.
For those into wartime romance flicks, The Proud and Profane will fit the bill nicely. And if you are a die-hard Holden fan, as I am, this is a definite must-see.
