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Back Street (1961) poster

Back Street

1961, English. Directed by David Miller.

Ambitious but thwarted, Rae Smith meets handsome U.S. 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 City 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.

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Runtime
1h 47m
Post-credits
None listed
Language
English
Rated
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Where to watch Back Street

Back Street is streaming on YouTube TV in India.

Details

Released
11 October 1961
Country
United States of America
Written by
William Ludwig, Eleanore Griffin
based on novel or bookfashion designerremakeextramarital affairu.s. marinedepartment store ownerwealthy familyloyal mistressalcoholic wifereturn from warfashion designer female leadheir to the empireson of wealthy man

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What Back Street is based on

Back Street is based on Back Street, a 1931 novel by Fannie Hurst.

Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.

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Back Street: quick answers

Is Back Street worth watching?

Back Street doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.

How long is Back Street?

Back Street runs 107 minutes (1h 47m).

Does Back Street have a post-credits scene?

None is listed for Back Street. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.

Back Street parents guide: is it suitable for kids?

No age rating is listed for Back Street yet.

Which OTT platform is Back Street on?

Back Street is streaming on YouTube TV in India. (Checked 3 November 2026.)

What movies are like Back Street?

If you liked Back Street, try Dear John, Persuasion, Nights in Rodanthe.

Who directed Back Street?

Back Street (1961) was directed by David Miller and stars Susan Hayward, John Gavin, Vera Miles.

What is Back Street based on?

Back Street is based on Back Street, a 1931 novel by Fannie Hurst.

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