Written on the Wind

Written on the Wind

This woman in his arms was now the wife of the man he called his best friend!

Directed by Douglas Sirk

Produced by Universal Pictures

195699 min6.9 / 10

A melodramatic tragedy of forbidden desire and moral corruption set among Texas oil wealth, where passion and jealousy collide with devastating consequences.

Mitch Wayne is a geologist working for the Hadleys, an oil-rich Texas family. While the patriarch, Jasper, works hard to establish the family business, his irresponsible son, Kyle, is an alcoholic playboy, and his daughter, Marylee, is the town tramp. Mitch harbors a secret love for Kyle's unsatisfied wife, Lucy -- a fact that leaves him exposed when the jealous Marylee accuses him of murder.

Questions people ask

  • Is Written on the Wind sad? Yes, very. More sad than 96% of films.

  • Does Written on the Wind end with hope? Barely. Less hopeful than 83% of films.

  • Is Written on the Wind scary? Somewhat. More frightening than 61% of films.

  • Is Written on the Wind easy watching? Not especially. Less comforting than 61% of films.

  • Is Written on the Wind violent? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

57/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

Familiar shape, done well.

Rarity59

How unlike any other film this one feels

Surprise48

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love65

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Everything like Written on the Wind, and what each one shares →

Like Written on the Wind

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as Written on the Wind

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like Written on the Wind, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like Written on the Wind, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like Written on the Wind, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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