Edward, My Son (1949)

Businessman Arnold Boult (Spencer Tracy) is obsessed with helping his son, Edward (who is never shown), to become successful, regardless of the consequences. Much to the dismay of his wife, Evelyn (Deborah Kerr), Arnold makes one drastic decision after another in an attempt to help his son, including committing arson and ruining the lives of those around him. Despite the extremity of Arnold's single-minded efforts, his son continues on the path of alcoholism and self-destruction.