Born in 1917, Susan Hayward began her career as a fashion model before transitioning to film in Hollywood. She appears as the lead in The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952), where her commanding presence elevates the film's exploration of human resilience. Hayward also takes on a complex role in The Marriage-Go-Round (1961), showcasing her versatility in both dramatic and comedic narratives. Renowned for her depth and emotional range, she remains a significant figure in the landscape of classic cinema.
The Marriage-Go-Round
At a Florida college, professor Paul Delville (James Mason) and wife Content (Susan Hayward), who is the school's dean of women, anticipate visitors from Sweden. The people they expect are a former colleague, Professor Sveg (Everett Glass), and his daughter Katrin (Julie Newmar). Katrin arrives alone. The Delvilles are astounded that Katrin, whom they remember as a gangly teenager, has grown into a statuesque, blonde bombshell. Their astonishment is just the beginning because Katrin brashly announces that she wants Paul to sire a baby with her, assuring offspring with both brains and beauty. Paul is flustered by Katrin's unwillingness to take no for an answer. She gives him a nude statue of herself, suns herself at his house in nothing but a skimpy towel, then shows up at a swim team practice in a provocative bathing suit. Katrin's come-ons become a greater temptation, causing Content to seek the advice of a friend on campus, Dr. Ross Barnett (Robert Paige), a married professor. Ross dares her to "call his bluff", which is his way of trying to seduce Content for himself. She returns home and finds her husband and Katrin in a passionate kiss, but when he swears his allegiance and that nothing has happened, Content believes him. Katrin finally gives up and decides to try someone else.
