Written on the Wind: Douglas Sirk’s melodrama focuses on an oil-rich family in Texas, as the son gets married and breaks the delicate balance the family has; jealousy, desire, and ambition all rush to the surface. Ultimately, the issues are not explored to a satisfactory level, and the drama seems to happen for its own sake. Acting is uneven, and generally unpleasant: Robert Stack, as the alcoholic and bon vivant son, and Dorothy Malone, as his manipulative and lustful sister, are keen to overact (particularly Malone). Rock Hudson, as a long-time friend who grew up in the family, plays it safe and unexcitingly, while Lauren Bacall is not asked to do much as the son’s faithful bride. Aesthetically, the film leans on the big: bright colours (a good work made by cinematographer Russell Metty) and an expressive, rather interesting musical score by composer Frank Skinner.