Back Street (1961): cast, story & where to watch
1961 · Film · ★ 5.8
Released in 1961, Back Street is a drama and romance film directed by David Miller, running about 107 minutes.
What it’s about. Ambitious but thwarted, Rae Smith meets handsome Marine Paul Saxon, (of the Saxon department store chain), as he passes through Lincoln, Nebraska, on his way home from World War II. There's a definite spark between them but circumstances intervene and he leaves town without her. Later she learns he's married. Determined to make it as a fashion designer, Rae moves to New York and becomes a great success. One day she happens to meet Paul again and again there's that spark but he's still married so, as a form of escape, Rae moves to Rome to set up shop. Once again she meets Paul and finally they begin an actual affair since Paul's shrewish, drunken wife, Liz, won't give him a divorce. Time passes, the affair continues whenever time and place permit, but then, Paul's young son finds out about Rae and Rae's back-street world begins to crumble.
Who’s in it. Back Street stars Susan Hayward as Rae Smith, John Gavin as Paul Saxon, Vera Miles as Liz Saxon and Charles Drake as Curt Stanton, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.8/10, Back Street has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and Fandango At Home. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Back Street page.
If you liked it. Fans of Back Street tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Back Street (1961)?
- In US, Back Street is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Back Street worth watching?
- Back Street holds an audience score of 5.8 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and romance. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Back Street?
- Back Street stars Susan Hayward, John Gavin, Vera Miles, Charles Drake and Virginia Grey.
- When was Back Street released?
- Back Street was released in 1961, with a runtime of about 107 minutes.