Invitation, The (DVD)

No more loneliness. Shy; plain Ellen Bowker has found unexpected fulfillment as the bride of handsome Dan Pierce. What she doesn't know is that Dan was bought and paid for -- he's a "gift" from Ellen's wealthy father; who wants his fatally ill daughter to experience romance before she dies. A story that might have been a three-hanky soaper in lesser hands instead exudes luminous emotion; thanks largely to its two stars. As Dan; Van Johnson captures the guilt and untapped decency of a man who falls in love with the woman he married for money. And Dorothy McGuire; whose gentle charm and beauty are ideal for the role; gives a heartbreaking performance as the wife who finally discovers the stunning truth.

• drama