Escape Me Never

In turn-of-the-century Venice, Caryl Dubrok, Gig Young, is a rising young composer who begins a romance with the wealthy English heiress Fenella MacLean, Eleanor Parker. Their bright affair is shadowed by a troubling misunderstanding: Fenella’s parents wrongly believe Gemma Smith, Ida Lupino, a young widow with her baby, is the woman with Caryl. The confusion forces the MacLean family to retreat, leaving Venice behind.

Seeking refuge, the MacLean family travels to the Dolomite mountains. It turns out Gemma is actually staying with Caryl’s older brother, Sebastian Dubrok, Errol Flynn, who has shown kindness to the lonely mother. Sebastian agrees to help the brothers explain the situation to Fenella’s family.

Caryl and Sebastian bring Gemma and her baby along on their mountain journey, surviving by singing in the streets as both men press forward with their musical ambitions.

One day, when Caryl injures his foot, Gemma and Sebastian perform in the street, drawing the attention of a stunning woman. Sebastian falls for her instantly, not realizing that it is Fenella.

Fenella’s presence gives Sebastian a new spark of inspiration, and he composes the opening music for a ballet that very night. The following morning Gemma discovers the true identity of the woman they met; to prevent further misunderstandings, Gemma and Sebastian marry and move to London, while Sebastian continues to develop the ballet.

Later, the MacLean family moves back to London, and Caryl follows, taking a job as a music agent. Caryl and Fenella become engaged, and Fenella arranges for Sebastian to stage his ballet in London.

When the ballet is finally presented, its success draws Fenella back into Sebastian’s orbit, and she ends her engagement to Caryl. The couple’s bond deepens as they spend a weekend at the MacLean country estate.

During that time Gemma’s baby dies from illness, and Gemma vanishes, leaving Sebastian overwhelmed with guilt.

Back in London, Sebastian reshapes the ballet, inspired by Gemma’s memory. When it premieres, Gemma returns to watch, and she and Sebastian are reunited.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:29