LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDORED THING

Color, 102 min.

Released: August 10, 1955 (20th Century Fox)

Cast: Jennifer Jones (as Han Suyin), William Holden, Torin Thatcher, Isobel Elsom, Murray Matheson, Virginia Gregg.

Director: Henry King
Producer: Buddy Adler

Tagline: "In each other's arms...they found a love that defied 5000 years of tradition!"

Complete Credits at IMDB

: Available at Amazon.com
: Available at Amazon.com

Based on the memoirs of Han Suyin, this is the story of an Eurasian doctor's tragic love affair with an American correspondent.  Although the love story is the central theme, the film also touches on the subjects of the Korean War, communism and race relations.

This film was the first of three in a new deal with Twentieth Century Fox. It was filmed on location in Hong Kong and was Jennifer's first film to be shot in the new wide screen technique called CinemaScope.  It was a high quality production that utilized the local scenery to maximum benefit and the color photography by Leon Shamroy is breathtaking. The director was Henry King, one of Jennifer's favorites (he had directed her in The Song Of Bernadette). 

Jennifer is radiantly beautiful in this film.  Her makeup (by Ben Nye) was incredible and gave her the Oriental look that was perfect for her character. Her dresses were also lovely and the film won an Academy Award for Costume Design. The film received two more Academy Awards for Best Song (it was a huge hit, written by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis) and Best Score. 

Jennifer's acting was also praised and she received her fifth Academy Award nomination.  Although she lost to Anna Magnani (for The Rose Tattoo), she did win a new award called the Audie.  This award was voted on by movie goers across the country.

Interesting Tidbit - Although their chemistry onscreen was excellent, Holden and Jones reportedly did not get along well during the filming.  Holden had a reputation for having affairs with his leading ladies.  Jennifer supposedly chewed garlic cloves before their love scenes to deter him.  Toward the end of filming, Holden presented her with a bouquet of white roses to try to make up to her, but she threw them in his face!