Watch Invitation

Invitation is a 1952 dramatic film directed by Gottfried Reinhardt and starring Van Johnson, Dorothy McGuire, and Ruth Roman. The movie was produced by MGM and is based on a novel written by Jerome Weidman. The film explores themes of love, marriage, loyalty, and betrayal. The main character, Allen Walker (Van Johnson), is a successful New York City architect who is happily married to his wife, Maida (Dorothy McGuire). The couple is content with their life until an old flame of Allen's, Ruth Roman (Lucienne Nanteuil), reappears and begins to pursue him.

As the story unfolds, Allen increasingly becomes tempted by the idea of being with Roman again, and his marriage to Maida begins to crumble. Meanwhile, the lives of other characters, including Allen's sister Ginna (Ruth Roman), her husband (Ray Collins), and their mentally ill daughter (Betty Lynn), also take unexpected turns.

The movie's title, Invitation, refers to the invitation given to both Allen and Maida to attend a party at the Nanteuil's summer home, which ultimately leads to a series of events that changes their lives forever. While the film initially focuses on the relationships between the main characters, it gradually evolves into a commentary on the larger societal issues of the time, such as the changing roles of men and women, and the illusion of happiness.

The acting in Invitation is exceptional, with Van Johnson giving an intense and emotional performance as the conflicted Allen. Dorothy McGuire delivers a subtle and nuanced performance as Maida, a woman whose love and loyalty to her husband is ultimately tested. Ruth Roman is captivating as the seductive and manipulative Lucienne Nanteuil, who sets out to destroy Allen's marriage.

The film also makes effective use of cinematography to convey the story's mood and tone. The use of shadow and light to create a sense of foreboding is particularly effective in the scenes featuring Allen and Lucienne.

Overall, Invitation is a well-crafted and thought-provoking film that explores universal themes and issues that are just as relevant today as they were in 1952. It is a timeless tale of love, loyalty, and betrayal that will leave viewers thinking long after the credits roll.

Invitation is a 1952 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.