The Razor’s Edge (1946)

This story of a man searching for the meaning of life after his experiences during World War I is much stronger when his transcendence is told through the mirror of his various acquaintances rather than when it’s explicitly showing Tyrone Power’s journey. It’s a little peculiar that W. Somerset Maugham himself, played by Herbert Marshall, is a supporting character who seems to know more about the ways of the world than any of the other characters. That seems to be faithful to the source material Gene Tierney is very beautiful as usual, but her soul is very dark and conniving in this one. Clifton Webb is entertaining as a snobbish older member of Power’s circle. Anne Baxter is given more to do with a role that has her at the top of society falling to the very bottom. I’m very curious to compare the 1984 Bill Murray version to this one, despite the former’s reputation. 

Oscar Win: Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture; Best Actor in a Supporting Role; Best Art Direction-Interior Decoration, Black-and-White