MovieChat Forums > September Affair (1950) Discussion > The Split

The Split

posted 12 years ago by bothpartiessuck
5 replies | jump to latest

This couple's ultimate separation was a bit mystifying to me.

Manina kept citing his son as the reason, but -- as was already pointed out -- his son was grown and about to go off to college (just accepted at Columbia) anyway. It was too late to go back and try to raise him: those years (and that opportunity) were gone. Plus, now that everything had been exposed to the air and sun -- so to speak -- it would be an opportunity for a new relationship between father and son as two adults.

Was it really because of guilt over the taboo situation they were in? Back in 1950 it certainly would have been frowned upon for a couple to be "shacking up," and even more so when the man was still married! (That latter one still holds true today...)

Once they were busted by the son and wife, one would think that would be an opportunity to start over with a clean slate (especially since the divorce would be granted). I was very surprised -- and sad and disappointed -- that they broke up/separated at the end, especially since they both appeared to still be very much in love.

[–] kl467 12 years ago

I believe the reason Manina left is because she felt he still loved his wife. She mentioned that she had never seen him the way he acted when he read the way his wife had signed the letter. I believe she wanted to give him some "time"...to make sure he really loved her.

[–] geoffzman04 10 years ago

I agree.

The ending felt forced like hayes code/studio and/or morals of the 50's just couldn't justify successful transition from a love affair to a more mature relationship.

Everyone involved seemed capable, no childish jealousy/possessiveness and difference could be discussed and resolved and all relationships could perhaps have prospered as a result.

After all, they were very much in love, his marriage was over and there was a great possibility of a new beginning.

A relationship/marriage under work commitments and concert tours can quickly tarnish an affair on an idyllic island and in my opinion, be more of a justification for their 'love affair's' success or failure .

[–] sasha99 9 years ago

"Hayes code/studio and/or morals of the 50's just couldn't justify successful transition from a love affair to a more mature relationship."

^^^^
This.

No illicit relationship (or one that began illicitly) was allowed a "happily ever after" ending in that movie era. Either the couple had to break up, or one of them had to die. The death could either be a poignant one, or a clear punishment for sin.

[–] vicky_lc2001-1 9 years ago

TBH I preferred him to go back to his family. I'm more surprised that they weren't more hurt and angry at him for abandoning them. If my father did what Cotten did, I would be so hurt and disappointed in him that I would never talk to him again.

This film reminded me a bit of Sweet Home Alabama or Casablanca where the love rivals (Fontaine and the wife) were presented rather positively. Both willing to make sacrifices for a man they loved.

[–] Jes' Sayin' (5958) 2 years ago

I agree. Should have ended after they ordered champagne. It was 50s social conservatism. They wouldn't end it like this today.

Films like this winked at the viewer though, as if to say, you and I know what this is not the way it would go. Just enjoy the bulk of the movie and ignore the tacked on, forced ending. Because if the movie cared about that ending, it would have built it up on a real basis, not simply repeatedly having the music teacher mutter against it.