dlbhina622 I admit that the first time I saw this film, I had gone through a box of Kleenex by the end. The second time around, it was a full-length soap opera, but a really good one. And the third time, I thought how silly it was. But all in all, I have to admit that Ms. Turner gave a beautiful and moving performance, and worked well with Ricardo Montalban. In fact, I would have liked to see them work together more.As one reviewer said, Ms. Turner is supposed to be of the lower class, but that is hard to imagine. Perhaps if Shelly Winters played the role, yes. But Ms. Turner to me, rather then being of lower class, gives the impression of being too beautiful, too playful and too liberal to be part of what appears to be a powerfully conservative and old money family. And realizing this, she descends into that lower class,not because she is, but because her broken self-esteem tells her that is where she aught to be. This self-destruction is more of what makes this film interesting, and to me makes her reuniting with her son almost irrelevant. Overall, when I think of how unimportant this film is, there are certain moments that are hard to forget, and for this reason I give it a 6+.

monikgwtw "Madame X" is one of the best movies I have ever seen. I would recommend it to every movie goer, not just Lana's fans. She manages to portray to perfection a very, very complex character, and she certainly deserved an Oscar. I liked in particular her scenes with another fine actor, John Van Dreelen, who shared with Lana some very nice, romantic moments. The actor actually said in an interview that his chemistry with Lana was as good on-screen as it was off-screen, and this does a lot of good to the film. I also bought the magnificent book "Madame X", by Michael Avallone, which was published in 1966. I recommend it to everyone, because it was adapted after the original screenplay of Jean Holloway. Thanks to the book, I managed to discover the scenes that were cut from the film, such as the scene where Holly is trying to get a job at an expensive French shop, and also a scene where Christian, the pianist (Van Dreelen), is giving her a hint that they should marry, because the whole press was discussing about them during his concert tour. So, in order to avoid gossip and scandal, he thought they ought to marry. This was his first proposal to her, while they were driving an automobile - and that is why in one of the sequences with them in the car, Lana's character seems preoccupied about something. The novel reveals that she was very much in love with this artist, who became her God or guardian angel, but whom she had to leave, so that neither he, nor her first husband (played by John Forsythe) would find out who and where she really is. A great book and a great film! I bought the original DVD from France and it was an excellent purchase. The music is also superb, and the soundtrack was released separately in 1967. I only wish there were kept more scenes from "Madame X", because the film is much too short to understand the complexity of the plot. Still, I highly recommend it, even if it is a very sad film, a real tear-jerker.

phillindholm Not just women, but men, too, will be drawn into this touching and gripping drama. This is, at least the fifth version of the classic story which tells of a woman's overwhelming love for the Husband and Son from whom she was cruelly parted. Lana Turner plays Holly Parker, whose marriage to Blueblood Clayton Anderson (John Forsythe) propels her into a world of wealth and power. Though the marriage is happy, and produces a son,Clay Jr, (Teddy Quinn/Keir Dullea), her husband's political ambitions and long absences tempt her into an affair with Playboy Phil Benton (Ricardo Montalban). When he is accidentally killed, Holly's Aristocratic (and opportunistic) Mother-In-law, Estelle (Constance Bennett) who, from the start, considered her an inferior (and hired a private detective to shadow her) moves in for the kill,using the threat of a potential scandal to blackmail her into leaving the country.She quickly provides Holly with a new identity, and financial support. Things go from bad to worse for Holly from there, as she wanders aimlessly around the world attempting, without success, to forget the blow fate has dealt her. Alcoholism and prostitution soon follow, as does slimy character Dan Sullivan (Burgess Meredith) who tries to profit from her past-leading to a climax which allows Turner to do some of the best work of her career. Producer Ross Hunter, who favored aging Stars from the past (Jane Wyman, Barbara Stanwyck Ann Sheridan and Joan Bennett were some) also loved remaking Soap Operas in High Style, though the films were actually made on low budgets. The costumes, the gorgeous Technicolor photography (by veteran Russell Metty) the glittering jewels and the impressive lineup of big Names helped considerably to disguise the fact that this was almost all filmed on the Universal Lot. Turner had worked with Hunter before on the very successful ''Imitation Of Life, and ''Portrait In Black'.' ''Madame X'' was their third collaboration.By the 1960's though, the plot was considered out of date, and the film was a financial failure. When it was first shown on TV, however, it garnered a huge audience, who were able to fully appreciate it, and it's success there may well have paved the way for nighttime soaps like ''Dallas'' and ''Falcon Crest''.Although it's unmistakably Turner's vehicle, the hand picked supporting cast is excellent. Alas, it was 30's star Bennett's last film,but, (looking radiant) she made the most of it. The direction by David Lowell Rich was equally fine, and the Production, especially the music score by Frank Skinner, was perfect. Lana, though showing her age in the early scenes, (in fact, she looks downright matronly when she is supposed to be a young bride) redeems herself by the finale, giving a heart-wrenching performance at her trial.Both she and Dullea are truly touching. And those viewers who can surrender their cynicism and just enjoy the story for what it is- Soap Opera Par Excellance, will be amply rewarded. Madame X was remade yet again (in 1981) with Tuesday Weld in the Title Role-she proved up to the task, but, for my money, this version is unbeatable.

edwagreen 1966's "Madame X" was a second version of the original starring the Oscar nominated Ruth Chatterton in a memorable unforgettable performance.This sudsy story of a woman who accidentally killed her former lover and lived to regret it every day of her life pulls out all the stops. It's as if Lana Turner had to wear a scarlet letter for what she had done for the rest of her life.Having fled the scene thanks to her vicious mother-in-law, played with relish by Constance Bennett, Turner returns years later and is defended by her now grown up son, Keir Dullea. He doesn't know why, but Dullea is drawn to this mysterious woman. He had been told years before that his mother was dead.The film is convincing because of the wonderful cast. Lana Turner has never been better and Constance Bennett's final performance before her death in 1965 of a stroke, is heartfelt and filled with passion.That last scene is absolutely gut-wrenching. You will feel for the characters. A truly remarkable film done superbly by a fine cast.