If you accept self-interest as the principal motivator of behaviour, then the self-interest of others also needs to be considered - but is not always. This movie reminds me of Come Back, Little Sheba. Even Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf ? There are no arse-holes, no good guys, no bad guys. Just people who are not demons who want the best for themselves before anyone else. And love in all its manifestations. Actually, the ending is more upbeat ( this is 1950s Hollywood) than it would be later. Also , it is very well acted. Shirley Booth runs the melodrama. I remember it from years ago when I had no idea what it was about. Now, many years later, I feel confident I have a well-considered take on it- even if others might disagree. Which is fine. This type of movie is a product of its time, like a lot of the brain-dead franchise pap of today. But it was a serious attempt to look at real people who react in authentic ways.
