You can almost always tell when an older Hollywood movie is based on a play. Sharp writing and stagy direction aside, they tend to be a lot more socially and politically progressive.
Granted, you can still feel the Hays Code holding this one back from delving even deeper into some of its heavier topics, but it's nevertheless incredibly thoughtful and delicate in its outlook, especially by '50s standards. The themes of toxic masculinity and conformity hold up all too well, the forceful melodrama is generally cogent and earned, the two Kerrs (no relation) bring a necessary amount of warmth and heart, and the beautiful technicolour fits right in with the large sets and heavy emotions.
Sure, it's all kinda preachy and romanticized, but I think most of us prefer a little sentimentality in these kinds of movies. It gives the characters and their feelings that much more vulnerability and relatability. If you don't agree, however (and you might be right not to; some of these scenes have a bit of a Disney Channel vibe), the ending is a nice, understated little return to reality, one that's so touching that I forgive it for stepping on the even better forest scene that comes just before it.
Grade: A-