nimstic
I am a huge Barbara Stanwyck fan - knowing the eccentricities and snootiness she was known for, her acting genius especially playing femme fatales are unmatchable! The originality she brings into her characters is what makes her unique. I find it hard to imagine any other actor replicating what she does whether it is Ball of Fire or Double Indemnity or Lady Eve. In the role of Martha Ivers, Stanwyck shines like the brightest star in the whole set. She didn't have to do any of her lobbying with her strong Studio connection to make her stand out (Although rumor has it, she muscled all around to ensure she remains the star - not even Van Heflin, the real hero of the movie. There is a lingering delay in her screen entrance, and she does so mesmerizingly, leaving you completely perplexed who she really is. And it only gets trickier in the following scenes. I could not think of a more mysterious, intriguing portrayal of a character - perhaps, Sir Hopkins' Hannibal comes close. Her expressions, eye moments, the flash of emotions and sharp deliveries leave you wondering who really is Martha Ivers. To me, this is the highlight of the film.I mustn't forget this movie had a lot of other highpoints - especially Kirk Douglas doing what he does best, as Walter. But it was Van Heflin who really proved a closer match to Barbara in the movie. He carried the nonchalance, machismo & sensitivity that Sam, the lead character represents in the movie. Lizbeth Scott isn't my favourite actor, although she is gorgeous, her acting and facial expressions were an absolute sham.It is a wonderful noir film you wouldn't regret watching even if aren't a Stanwyck fan.
hallkurt
This movie executes it's purpose magnificently. It is not supposed to be Citizen Kane or Gone With the Wind or Casablanca. It is supposed to be campy and moody. That's it's goal. In our uber-modern digital world I can't get enough of old noir and dramas that are formulaic, predictable and atmospheric. I love the black and white, overdone music, dim lighting, sooty sets, short ties, big hats, huge bangs, and ubiquitous cocktails and cigarettes.I also love surprises, and this film has one. The surprise is that even though I am a huge Barbara Stanwyck fan, Lizabeth Scott steals the show. I've read reviews criticizing Scott's performance, but I disagree. It's not that she out-acts Stanwyck. It's that she executes her role better than anyone else. She's stoic, her mannerisms are wooden, and her lines are short and delivered flatly because they're supposed to be. Stanwyck would bury her in a movie calling for depth and complexity, but this film creates an atmosphere and Scott nails it. This movie would be boring without her smoky voice and sultry look.Also-how cool is it that in those days a guy like Sam could just hit the road and drift into town looking for the next opportunity. Ahhh freedom.
SnoopyStyle
It's 1928 Iverstown, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Ivers runs the town and dominates her niece Martha Ivers. She tries to run off with Sam Masterson from the poor side of town but is betrayed by friend Walter O'Neil. Sam comes back to see Martha. Her aunt starts beating her cat and she hits her aunt sending her down the stairs to her death. Martha lies and Walter backs up her lie. They think Sam had witnessed it. He rides the circus train out of town. It's 1946. Martha (Barbara Stanwyck) is now married to district attorney Walter (Kirk Douglas). He's advancing in politics. She's the cold, ruthless owner of most of the town. He's haunted by the man hung for her aunt's death but she callously dismisses his fears. He's hopelessly in love with her but she does not reciprocate. Sam is now a drifter, gambler, and veteran. He has a car accident while passing through town and gets involved with Toni Marachek. She's thrown in jail for violating parole. He asks Walter for help but Walter wonders if he wants more.Screen legends Barbara Stanwyck and Kirk Douglas are together but Van Heflin and Lizabeth Scott are equal co-leads. This is Douglas' debut. Stanwyck comes in after thirty minutes. Their combination has an electricity. Van Heflin has a blander character actor look. Scott has an angular beauty that works well with old fashion noir. Their chemistry isn't quite as electric and their side of the story is less compelling. For fans of movie stars, this sparks whenever the legends get to play. I would have preferred less melodrama and more noir. Douglas is terrific with his twists and turns. His scenes are the best.
Rainey Dawn
It's great to see this film again after years of no-see. I remembered it was a good film but watching it all these years later I have to say it's a great movie - one of the best films of the 1940s - nominated for an Oscar award but should have won the award.The story is well written and very suspenseful - as it unfolds, the more suspense it builds towards a fantastic ending which I will not ruin for first time viewers nor those who haven't seen this one in years and would like to again.Outstanding casting with brilliant performances. Great set designs and costuming (mainly the ladies). The directing and cinematography are top of the line as well. Why didn't this film win an Oscar? This is a highly recommended film for a reason - it's really fantastic.10/10
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