Never Let Me Go (1953 film)

Never Let Me Go is a 1953 romantic drama film released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It stars Clark Gable and Gene Tierney. The film is set during the Cold War and focuses on the love story between an American journalist and a Russian ballerina.

The plot revolves around Philip Sutherland (Gable), an American reporter stationed in Moscow, who falls in love with Marya Lamarkina (Tierney), a talented ballerina. They marry, but their happiness is threatened by the political climate and the restrictions placed on Soviet citizens. Marya is forbidden from leaving the Soviet Union. Philip desperately tries to find a way to get her out, facing numerous obstacles and betrayals from the Soviet authorities. He is eventually deported back to America, but refuses to give up hope of being reunited with his wife. The film culminates in a daring and risky escape attempt orchestrated by Philip.

The film was directed by Delmer Daves and based on the novel "Keep Away From Children" by Warden Curtis. It explores themes of love, sacrifice, political oppression, and the human desire for freedom. While Never Let Me Go is primarily a romance, it also offers a glimpse into the tensions and anxieties of the Cold War era. It received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising the performances of Gable and Tierney, while others found the storyline melodramatic and the depiction of Soviet life somewhat simplistic. However, it remains a notable film from the period and is often remembered for its romantic storyline set against the backdrop of Cold War political intrigue.