Back Street_
In turn-of-the-century Cincinnati, vibrant shop girl Ray Smith falls in love with banker Walter Saxel, who is engaged to a socially prominent woman. Inadvertently prevented from running away with Walter, Ray remains single but reunites with him five years later. Despite Walter being married and having a son, Ray becomes his mistress, and over the years suffers social ostracism and long stretches of solitude while waiting for their brief interludes together.
Starring
Charles Boyer, Margaret Sullavan, Richard Carlson
Updated Feb 16, 2026
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Year context
Back Street was released 85 years ago in 1941.
Overview
In turn-of-the-century Cincinnati, vibrant shop girl Ray Smith falls in love with banker Walter Saxel, who is engaged to a socially prominent woman. Inadvert...
Back Street is a Drama film with a runtime of 1h 29m.
CAST (20)
Charles Boyer
Walter Louis Saxel
Margaret Sullavan
Ray Smith
Richard Carlson
Curt Stanton
Frank McHugh
Ed Porter
Tim Holt
Richard Saxel
Frank Jenks
Harry Niles
Esther Dale
Mrs. Smith
Peggy Stewart
Freda Smith
Samuel S. Hinds
Felix Darren
Nell O'Day
Elizabeth Saxel
Nella Walker
Corinne Saxel
Cecil Cunningham
Mrs. Miller
Irving Bacon
Ticket seller
Howard Hickman
Williams
Mary Forbes
Mrs. Williams
Charles Lane
Reporter for Associated News
Joseph Crehan
Postman
Dick Elliott
Hotel desk clerk
Ludwig Stössel
Louis
Selmer Jackson
Arthur the butler
DETAILS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Back Street about?
In turn-of-the-century Cincinnati, vibrant shop girl Ray Smith falls in love with banker Walter Saxel, who is engaged to a socially prominent woman. Inadvertently prevented from running away with Walter, Ray remains single but reunites with him five years later. Despite Walter being married and having a son, Ray becomes his mistress, and over the years suffers social ostracism and long stretches of solitude while waiting for their brief interludes together.
How long is Back Street?
Back Street has a runtime of 89 minutes (1h 29m).
Who stars in Back Street?
The cast of Back Street includes Charles Boyer, Margaret Sullavan, Richard Carlson, Frank McHugh, Tim Holt.
What is the rating of Back Street?
Back Street has a rating of 7.2 out of 10 based on 11 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (1)
Drama