The Razor's Edge (1946) - Edmund Goulding

20th Century Fox's biggest star made his return to the screen following a WWII stint in the Marines with this highly prestigious adaptation of W. Somerset Maughm's The Razor's Edge. Herbert Marshall plays the author who also serves as the narrator. Gene Tierney, an actress who is freakishly good looking, plays his would be love interest who breaks off their engagement after he has no intention to make a financial go of himself. Power is of the lost generation of WWI veterans who are struggling to find meaning in this world. He wanders to Paris, and eventually to India where he finds enlightenment and clearly seems to have done better than his money minded friends. Tierney of course never stops loving him, despite her own husband and two kids. The drama sets itself up well when Sophie (Anne Baxter in an Oscar winning performance) reappears as a helplessly shattered drunk following the death of her own husband and child. The film has some strong moments, but Power's disillusionment seems to be handled too frivolously and some of the melodrama just seems to be laid on a bit thick. Fans of Laura might be curious to see Tierney and Clifton Webb teamed together yet again.

*The Razor's Edge was nominated for best picture, best black and white art direction, best supporting actor (Clifton Webb). It won best supporting actress (Baxter).