The Valley of Decision (1945)

In the heart of Pittsburgh, amid the clamor of steel mills, resides the Irish immigrant Rafferty family, living a modest life shadowed by their patriarch, Patrick Rafferty's bitterness. Once a robust laborer, Patrick is now confined to a wheelchair, a haunting reminder of an industrial accident at the Scott family's steel mill. Despite receiving ample financial compensation, he harbors a deep-seated resentment towards the Scotts, blaming them for his misfortune. Against this backdrop of resentment, Patrick's daughter, Mary, ventures into the opulent world of the Scotts as a domestic worker. Her innocence and determination quickly endear her to the Scott family, including the parents, William and Clarissa, and their children - William Jr., Paul, Ted, and Constance. The bond she forms with Paul Scott is particularly profound, leading to an unexpected romance that transcends class and societal norms. However, Mary, conscious of Paul's social standing and urged by Clarissa, deliberately distances herself from him to prevent any damage to his reputation. This absence triggers an obsession in Paul, which is noticed by his father, William Sr. Believing Mary's return to be the solution, he orchestrates their reunion. Yet, their reunion coincides with a turbulent strike at the steel mill, where the workers, many of them friends of the Raffertys, rise against the Scotts. Paul and Mary find themselves in a precarious position, attempting to mediate a peaceful resolution. An undelivered message results in a heartbreaking tragedy, compelling Paul and Mary to accept their love's impossibility. As they reluctantly make separate life choices, a melancholic Paul faces an especially bitter reality. Yet, a hopeful ray of light glimmers in the form of Clarissa, who, in her unwavering quest to ensure the Scott name's continuity, might just engineer a way for Paul and Mary to carve out a life together.

The Valley of Decision is a drama movie featuring Greer Garson and directed by Tay Garnett.

The Valley of Decision is currently streaming on DIRECTV.