Produced by Otto Preminger, this classic had-I-but-known tale of a femme fatale (and a murderous one at that) was first brought to the screen in 1952. Based on a story written by Chester Erskine, the plot centers on a woman with a beautiful facade, Diane Tremayne, (Jean Simmons). Unfortunately, behind her lovely “angel face,” there lurks a deadly, murderous rage. Robert Mitchum, plays (Frank Jessup), an ambulance driver brought to her home who soon finds himself lured into her homicidal orbit and her bed. Their affair is as suggestive as it can be for the period in which the film was made. Jessup, however, is soon aware that he has made a terrible mistake and decides that he must leave her.
But no one ever disappoints or dares to leave Diane Tremayne. Those who try to, die in what appear to be unfortunate accidents. So did her own father, Charles Tremayne, played deftly but briefly by Herbert Marshall and her stepmother and his second wife, Catherine Tremayne, (played by Barbara O’ Neil). Frank Jessup abetted in the crime by rigging the brakes to fail on the family car. Now the two doomed lovers share the guilt of the crime they committed together and the noose tightens around both of their necks slowly, but surely.
The film boasts of a fine supporting cast, which includes Mona Freman as Mary Wilton, Jim Backus as District Attorney Judson, Kenneth Tobey as Bill Crompton and Leon Ames as Fred Barrett. It is a most fascinating depiction of a criminal mind wrapped up in a beautiful but deadly package. The film is a must see for all lovers of the film noir genre. Jean Simmons is at the height of both her beauty and her talent in this intriguing film.
In one important scene, director Otto Preminger insisted that Robert Mitchum actually slap Jean Simmons.
What are some of YOUR favorite moments from this film?