There's a lot to like about this movie, and some things to not like about it. But after watching this film a second time, I have to admit it's better than I remembered it being. I think part of the problem I had with the film is that it seemed like quite a step down from Bette Davis films from the 1940s such as "Dark Victory", "The Letter", and "In This Our Lives". Instead, this is a bit noir-ish and has its own set of attributes.
Interestingly, it was directed by Paul Henreid, once one of Bette Davis' costars.
A mature Bette Davis kills her rich twin sister (a double role) for a variety of reasons. The question is, will she get away with it? Davis turns in a strong performance, as does the boyfriend of the "poor" sister, cop Karl Malden. I'm not a fan of Peter Lawford, but this is one of a few films where he turned in a strong performance, sleazy though his character may be. Other supporting stars simply do their jobs...nothing notable.
This is the second time Bette Davis played twin sisters, the other time was 1946's "A Stolen Life". "A Stolen Life" is undoubtedly the better film, but this is not a remake. It is a different story all together.
What I didn't like in this film was the early dialog between the two sisters. Frankly, it seemed a bit childish. The rest of the script -- in terms of dialog seemed fine. And, there are several quite delicious plot twists. Make no mistake, this is not a who-done-it. We know who done it from beginning to end, although, as mentioned, there are some surprises along the way. This is a neat little thriller in Davis' later common character -- the witch...or something that rhymes.
Although I haven't raised my rating from the original "7" I gave it, on review it's a very strong "7", rather than a very weak "7".
Interestingly, it was directed by Paul Henreid, once one of Bette Davis' costars.
A mature Bette Davis kills her rich twin sister (a double role) for a variety of reasons. The question is, will she get away with it? Davis turns in a strong performance, as does the boyfriend of the "poor" sister, cop Karl Malden. I'm not a fan of Peter Lawford, but this is one of a few films where he turned in a strong performance, sleazy though his character may be. Other supporting stars simply do their jobs...nothing notable.
This is the second time Bette Davis played twin sisters, the other time was 1946's "A Stolen Life". "A Stolen Life" is undoubtedly the better film, but this is not a remake. It is a different story all together.
What I didn't like in this film was the early dialog between the two sisters. Frankly, it seemed a bit childish. The rest of the script -- in terms of dialog seemed fine. And, there are several quite delicious plot twists. Make no mistake, this is not a who-done-it. We know who done it from beginning to end, although, as mentioned, there are some surprises along the way. This is a neat little thriller in Davis' later common character -- the witch...or something that rhymes.
Although I haven't raised my rating from the original "7" I gave it, on review it's a very strong "7", rather than a very weak "7".