In 1945, Colbert ended her association with Paramount and continued to freelance in such films as "Guest Wife" (1945) with Don Ameche. She starred opposite John Wayne in RKO's "Without Reservations" (1946), which grossed $3 million in the U.S. While working on it, director Mervyn LeRoy described Colbert as an "interesting" lady to work with, recalling her habit of not watching where she was going and constantly bumping into things. Praised for her sense of style and fashion, Colbert ensured throughout her career that she was impeccably groomed and costumed. For the melodrama "Tomorrow Is Forever" (1946), Jean Louis was hired to create 18 changes of wardrobe for her. "Tomorrow is Forever" and "The Secret Heart" (also 1946) were also substantial commercial successes, and Colbert's popularity during 1947 led her to place 9th in Quigley's ""Top Ten Money-Making Stars Poll"".