Separate Tables, a drama/romance released in 1958, stars Burt Lancaster, Rita Hayworth, Deborah Kerr, Wendy Hiller, David Niven and Gladys Cooper.
During the off season in the seaside town of Bournemouth, England, at the second-rate Beauregard Hotel, some of the secrets of residents and guests are revealed, setting off a cascade of interlocking relationships and deception. Characters include an American alcoholic writer (Lancaster), escaping his past and secretly engaged to the hotel manager (Hiller). Another guest (Cooper), whose daughter (Kerr) is attracted to a war veteran guest (Niven), has discovered a secret which she is sure will end her daughter’s fascination with the Major. Into the midst of these troubled relationships walks the chic former model and ex-wife of the American (Hayworth), to a very mixed reception. As tragic secrets and duplicitous actions are exposed, the Terrence Rattigan script is touching and sensitive.
Based on two one act plays by Terence Rattigan, directed by Delbert Mann, the movie received multiple Golden Globe and Oscar nominations. Oscar wins include: Best Actor in a Leading Role (David Niven), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Wendy Hiller).
