The Bigamist (1953)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Ida Lupino

Writers:

Larry Marcus (story) and
Lou Schor (story) ...

Release Date:

3 December 1953 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Wanted by two women!

Plot:

Harry and Eve Graham are trying to adopt a baby. The head of the agency senses Harry is keeping a secret and does some investigating...

Plot Keywords:

Adoption | Husband Wife Relationship | Pregnancy | Dysfunctional Marriage | Tour Bus

Cast

Joan Fontaine	...	Eve Graham
Ida Lupino	...	Phyllis Martin
Edmund Gwenn	...	Mr. Jordan
Edmond O'Brien	...	Harry Graham / Harrison Graham
Kenneth Tobey	...	Tom Morgan, Defense Attorney
Jane Darwell	...	Mrs. Connelley
Peggy Maley	...	Phone Operator
Lillian Fontaine	...	Miss Higgins, Landlady
Matt Dennis	...	Himself, Singer
John Maxwell	...	Judge

Runtime:

80 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Certification:

Canada:14 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:G (Quebec) | UK:PG | Australia:PG | Finland:K-16 | USA:Approved (PCA #16677, Adult Audience)

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Filmakers, The

Trivia:

During the tour of the movie star homes, the houses the driver says belong to Jack Benny and Jimmy Stewart are their actual homes on Roxbury Drive.

Quotes:

Harry Graham: How can a man call a woman his wife for eight years - someone who you love, who loves you - how can you call her and tell her that you must have a divorce? Worse than that, you've been unfaithful - you're going to be a father. How can you hurt someone so much?

Movie Connections:

References Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Soundtrack:

It Wasn't The Stars That Thrilled Me

Moving

A couple who have been married for 8 years, and can not have children, wish to adopt one. When going through the form-filling procedure, Mr. Graham pauses very noticeably at one form which allows the adoption agency to delve into their private lives and "check him out", if you will.

The reason for this pause is told in retrospect to the agent after it is found that he not only has another wife, but a son by her.

Joan Fontaine was the standout star from this film. Just watch her face in the final courtroom scene - her expression really speaks a thousand words.

A short film, but utterly compelling. If you get the chance to see it - do!