The Secret Heart (1946)

In the heart-wrenching drama, The Secret Heart (1946), a virtuoso pianist, Larry Addams, succumbs to his unfulfilled aspirations, leading him down a dark path of self-destruction. His untimely demise leaves behind a shattered family - his wife, Lee, and his two young children, Penny and Chase, forced to bear the burden of his ill-fated choices. Stepping into the void left by Larry, Lee becomes the pillar of the family, tirelessly working to clear his debts and nurture her two step-children. Before her turbulent marriage, Lee had rejected the affections of Chris Matthews - a prosperous shipbuilder and Larry’s college comrade. Despite being turned down, Chris chose to stay loyal to both Lee and Larry. On the fateful night of Larry's suicide, Lee and Chris were together at a dinner party. Overwhelmed by the horrific event, Lee pushes Chris away, dedicating the next decade to righting Larry's wrongs and providing for Penny and Chase. As the children grow older, they're haunted by the mysterious circumstances surrounding their father's death. The now matured Penny (June Allyson) confronts her mother and brother, seeking answers to her father's bewildering tale. As fate would have it, Penny crosses paths with Chris, falling head over heels for him, oblivious of his connection to her mother and the secret sacrifices made. In this emotional roller coaster, the past intertwines with the present, weaving a tale of love, sacrifice, and secrets that can either make or break a family.

The Secret Heart is a drama movie featuring Claudette Colbert.

The Secret Heart is currently streaming on TCM.