Intentional and unintentional homages to / rip-offs of Douglas Sirk's Melodramas - good, great and mediocre. No precursors, particularly given many of Sirks were in fact remakes. Starting from 1953 (Sirk's first true melo All I Desire). Includes some low hanging fruit (i.e. Vincent Minnelli films (apologies!) and Ross Hunter productions at Universal not directed by Sirk). Left off films where the author's voice was clearly pre-established (Tennesee Williams, William Inge, etc.). Additions, corrections, challenges welcome! For what it’s worth: My Sirk Rankings

An off-shoot of - Hitchcockian: Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Plagiarism

and

See also Lubitschian: Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Plagiarism (the sequel)

and

Felliniesque: Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Plagiarism (yet another sequel)

and

Bergmanesque: Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Plagiarism (sequel-mania)

and

Antonioniesque: Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Plagiarism (yet another one)