A Stranger in My Arms [1959] [DVD]

June Allyson plays a war widow whose husband has been killed in Korea in this not-so-classic melodrama from Ross Hunter, producer of many of Douglas Sirk's best films. She has to deal with her difficult mother-in-law (Mary Astor), a woman ruthlessly intent on seeing that her adored son is posthumously honoured, and with the air force officer (Jeff Chandler) asked to testify to the dead man's heroism.

Turns out he was actually a coward, but June has Jeff to console her. Neither the drama nor the romance catch light in this dull and portentous film. The earnest stars lack the charisma to lift the material, leaving the polished veteran Astor to provide what little spark there is.

A mother campaigns for posthumous military honours for her son in recognition of his service in the American air force. However, a major who served with the boy knows he was really a coward who despised his mother. Drama, starring Mary Astor, June Allyson and Jeff Chandler.