Lewis Allen (1) (1905–200)

The sunny and romantic feel of Dorothy Macardle's wonderful book about a young brother and sister buying a home on the English coast and getting more than they bargained for was kept intact in this true film classic. Victor Young's beautiful score captured perfectly the light and comical intruded upon by a haunting mystery and ghost story. His “Stella by Starlight” is on a par with David Raksin's “Laura” as one of the most evocative songs ever composed for a film.

If asked to name the most beautiful star of the 1940s, most would probably tag Hedy Lamarr or Gene Tierney. But if asked who was the prettiest, most would probably say Gail Russell. She will always be remembered for her role as the young and lovely Stella Meredith, looking for love and acceptance from a mother long-deceased. Tragedy took this radiant star from us at a young age but she lives on in films like this one.

Ray Milland is excellent as always as Roderick (Rick) Fitzgerald and Ruth Hussey is his sister Pamela. They are both excited when they happen upon the beautiful house along the coast called Wynwood (Cliff End in the novel). They purchase it from the Commander (Donald Crisp) under protest from his lovely granddaughter Stella (Gail Russell). Her reason for not wanting the house sold is revealed when a light and enjoyable romance blossoms between she and Roderick.

She and Roderick go sailing and Russell is breathtaking with the ocean breeze blowing her hair. Roderick gets sea sick in an amusing moment and Stella's longing for a connection to the mother she lost when she was just a toddler is highlighted for the first time when she reveals the perfume she wears has the same mimosa scent as the one her mother wore. It is a scent that fills the nursery in Wynwood, and gives Stella a feeling of being loved when she is there.

But all is not well at Wynwood, with a sobbing heard late at night and a sea-fog driving Stella to the cliff where her mother fell and died. It is all tied to the mystery of a young Spanish Gypsy girl named Carmel who posed for Stella's artist father. Stella is protected and loved one moment, and in danger the next. Roderick loves Stella and knows he must somehow solve the mystery of what happened to rid their lives of this cloud so he that and Stella can be happy.

Dr. Scott (Alan Napier) may help them find the answers as he has access to notes the doctor of Stella's mother and Carmel made. Dr. Scott is also smitten with pretty Pamela, and it appears both Roderick and Pamela could be happy if only they could bring warmth back to Wynwood House!

To reveal more would lessen your pleasure if you have not experienced this wonderful film from the 1940s. There are some genuinely eerie moments mixed in with the lighthearted, but at its heart this is really a romance. It is that blend of romance and supernatural mystery which make this the best film of this kind ever made, and certainly one of the most romantic films of the 1940s.

The shy and beautiful Gail Russell will always be associated with the young and searching Stella Meredith in the hearts and minds of moviegoers. Viewers will fall in love watching Russell in one of her most memorable roles. A must-see film for classic movie lovers.… (more)