How one views this movie depends, I would think, on how one generally views classic-era films. For those who enjoy them, this is one to see since it stars one of the great actresses of all time, Bette Davis. For those who prefer faster-paced, modern movies, this would not be recommended.
Although it helps, you don't have to be a big fan of Bette Davis to enjoy this movie. Myself, I enjoyed Henry Stephenson and his character, "Howard Joyce" in here the most. He got better and better as the film went on, and for me, was the star of the film. Sadly, Stephenson died about a year after this movie came out.
Most people will enjoy yet another sterling performance from Davis, who plays a shady character, "Leslie Crosbie, " a woman trying to get away with murder. Davis is good at playing despicable, scheming liars and she does that well here in this film.
Based on a stage play about privileged people who obviously can't control their love lives, this is a very "talky" movie, so beware of that if you are one that prefers a little more action. In addition, if you're looking for some cool lines from the mysterious Gale Sondergaard, forget it: she didn't utter a word of dialog! Her billing suggested a bigger role, but it was not to be. True, she looked mysterious with some wonderful film-noir-like photography on her, but there wasn't anything else to her role.
William Wyler's direction and Tony Gaudio's photography give us good atmosphere, which I why I wanted to see this on DVD after seeing a so-so VHS tape, but that second viewing was enough. Being a "classic" in the "classic era," it's worth a rental.
Although it helps, you don't have to be a big fan of Bette Davis to enjoy this movie. Myself, I enjoyed Henry Stephenson and his character, "Howard Joyce" in here the most. He got better and better as the film went on, and for me, was the star of the film. Sadly, Stephenson died about a year after this movie came out.
Most people will enjoy yet another sterling performance from Davis, who plays a shady character, "Leslie Crosbie, " a woman trying to get away with murder. Davis is good at playing despicable, scheming liars and she does that well here in this film.
Based on a stage play about privileged people who obviously can't control their love lives, this is a very "talky" movie, so beware of that if you are one that prefers a little more action. In addition, if you're looking for some cool lines from the mysterious Gale Sondergaard, forget it: she didn't utter a word of dialog! Her billing suggested a bigger role, but it was not to be. True, she looked mysterious with some wonderful film-noir-like photography on her, but there wasn't anything else to her role.
William Wyler's direction and Tony Gaudio's photography give us good atmosphere, which I why I wanted to see this on DVD after seeing a so-so VHS tape, but that second viewing was enough. Being a "classic" in the "classic era," it's worth a rental.