The same year as the larger than life films of Mutiny on the Bounty, Captain Blood, A Midsummer Night's Dream, David Copperfield, and Barbary Coast, there was also the small, introspective film The Flame Within. It's easy to understand why everyone missed it, with all the other blockbusters to see. I've recently watched it and found out what a hidden gem it was.
Interesting and insightful, The Flame Within centers on a female psychiatrist, Ann Harding, who gets involved in the personal life of a patient. Ann's colleague and dear friend Herbert Marshall is in love with her, but she isn't ready to settle down and give up her career for a family yet. She likes being an independent woman and hasn't learned the power of being swept away by her feelings. When a beautiful socialite Maureen O'Sullivan attempts suicide, Ann is called to the scene when Bart can't find out why it happened. Ann and Maureen bond, and she gives her some pearls of wisdom to inspire her. Ann also meets up with Maureen's boyfriend, Louis Hayward, and tries to talk some sense into him.
This movie was really ahead of its time, talking about psychology and behavioral patterns. Figuring out the "why" wasn't as commonplace in the 1930s as it was in the 1960s, let alone today, so when you watch it be sure to remember when it was made. Also, the premise of a female career woman being respected and more influential than her male colleague was very unusual.
Ann Harding's performance is extremely impressive. She's compassionate, realistic, subtle, and modern, much like Katharine Hepburn in her later years. Bart and Maureen aren't given much to do, but they do it very well. And even Louis Hayward, who normally plays callous cads, manages to tug on your heartstrings. Don't miss this movie, even though you've probably never heard of it. It's very good.
