MovieChat Forums > Back Street (1961) Discussion > Susan Hayward As Mistress?

Susan Hayward As Mistress?

posted 13 years ago by straykitten
10 replies | jump to latest

I have to wonder about casting Susan Hayward as the mistress to John Gavin in this movie. She looked (and was) much older than him. This wasn't the case in the 1941 version. Was she supposed to be older in this one?

[–] lauradyoung 13 years ago

I think Susan Hayward was a great choice. There is tremendous chemistry between Susan Hayward and John Gavin. Also, I do not agree at all that Susan Hayward looked much older than John Gavin. She looked fantastic in this movie -- more beautiful than ever. Seeing Susan Hayward in a movie in color just accentuated her gorgeous red hair and beautiful complexion. She was absolutely the right choice in my opinion.

[–] WarpedRecord 12 years ago

I never noticed the age difference. Really, I never noticed anything other than the sizzling chemistry and the remarkable performances by Susan Hayward and John Gavin.

The only faults this film has, if it has any, is Vera Miles' character as Gavin's wife could have been developed more. She seems a bit too "villainy" here. Of course, maybe that was the point.

I have to say I found this a bit too much of a soaper for the first three-quarters of the film, but it dawned on me during the last half-hour what a terrific movie this is. Hayward's performance is devastating, and I had to play the last quarter again for a reminder. This film really took me by surprise, thanks mainly to her. I'll give this 7/10 stars for now, but I may upgrade when I travel this "Street" again.

[–] Siriry 11 years ago

I don't see her as too old at all, their pairing is perfect!

Siri

Don't Make Me Have to Release the Flying Monkeys!

[–] apriceaboverubies29 10 years ago

Hayward and Miles should have switched roles. Miles would have made a perfect Rae, and Hayward could have done what she always did best - chew up scenery.

Either way, Miles walked off with the film.

[–] bobcanduit 9 years ago

I do think she is beautiful, but she was too old for him in this case. Susan was difficult to sign during this period, so it was a coup to get her. She had to play the lead. It was tough getting her for "I Want to Live" in 1958. Barbara Graham was in her mid 30s, and Susan was perfectly cast. No matter, Susan could make anything believable. She was utterly fantastic.

[–] berensalana 9 years ago

Agreed. I think some of the people up-thread need to have their eyes checked. Its on TCM right now, and quite frankly John Gavin looks too young for many of the women in this movie. It looked so off I had to check IMDB for their ages. He looks 28-29 (30 IRL) and all the women look like they are 35-45. Vera was 32 and looked too old to be his wife, and Susan was shockingly 44. What was Hollywood thinking? No man,then or now has a mistress 12 years older than his wife. Especially a man with THAT much money. Its amazing really, was Hollywood catering to the fantasies of older women back then? My how things have changed.

[–] mamasusanjones 9 years ago

Watching it now too! You posted my exact words. I'm on the site because I could not believe how much older than John Gavin both Susan and Vera looked.

[–] TheChamCham 9 years ago

How many mistresses do you know personally? Older women make much better mistresses than younger women do for many reasons.

Love makes your soul crawl out from it's hiding place.

[–] berensalana 9 years ago

So I guess you are the "older mistress" and this has offended you? lol
You are still younger than the wife though, right?

[–] TheChamCham 9 years ago

No. I'm the "Master". And my lady is four years older than my now Ex-wife.

Love makes your soul crawl out from it's hiding place.