Edith Phillips (Bette Davis) meets up with her estranged twin sister Margaret de Lorca at Margaret's husband Frank's funeral. Edith has her money losing cocktail lounge while Margaret is lording her wealth over her. Frank was courting Edith originally until he had an affair with Margaret. After Margaret's claim to be pregnant, Edith never talked to them again. Margaret tells Edith that the child died before a year old but the family chauffeur recalls that she was never pregnant. Later, Edith lures Margaret to her lounge where she kills Margaret and assumes her identity. She makes Margaret up to look like her having committed suicide. People have their suspicions including Margaret's lover Tony Collins (Peter Lawford) who starts blackmailing her. Edith's boyfriend police sergeant Jim Hobbson (Karl Malden) continues to investigate her supposed suicide and also the death of Frank de Lorca.
Bette Davis is a powerful force. That's what this movie gives with her on the screen. Director Paul Henreid could have tightened up some of the scenes to elevate the tension. For example, the scene of Edith setting up Margaret's body as a suicide takes forever. It could have been done better and with more intensity. No matter what, Bette Davis exudes screen presence.
Bette Davis is a powerful force. That's what this movie gives with her on the screen. Director Paul Henreid could have tightened up some of the scenes to elevate the tension. For example, the scene of Edith setting up Margaret's body as a suicide takes forever. It could have been done better and with more intensity. No matter what, Bette Davis exudes screen presence.