Barbara Stanwyck once again proves her versatility, this time playing an invalid alone in a house. The story develops slowly, allowing the viewer to gradually learn about poor Leona Stevenson and her situation. We learn that she is well to do, that she is rather demanding, and that her emotional stability may be in question. Then she overhears a phone conversation.
The suspense increases as we understand how isolated she is, and how vulnerable she is in her situation. In flashbacks, we learn about her marriage and her strange relationship with her father, who is a rich businessman. There may be a plot afoot. Her husband, who is mysteriously absent, may be in trouble. A woman from her past becomes involved. The story feels Hitchcockian, reminiscent of "Rear Window", as Leona tries to piece together bits of information to understand what is happening in the world outside.
Burt Lancaster plays her husband, Henry Stevenson. It is one of his early roles. Many of the characters in the film seem threatening, and Ed Begley, who plays Leona's father, is adept at such roles, though we see how he melts under the manipulations of his daughter.
Director Anatole Litvak presents a dark, isolated world, aided by the score of Franz Waxman. It is all intended to place the viewer in the same situation as Leona. Though the narrative is sometimes confusing, the suspense increases throughout. In fact, some confusion may actually contribute to the viewer's identification with Leona, who struggles to fully understand her situation, and to regain control.
The suspense increases as we understand how isolated she is, and how vulnerable she is in her situation. In flashbacks, we learn about her marriage and her strange relationship with her father, who is a rich businessman. There may be a plot afoot. Her husband, who is mysteriously absent, may be in trouble. A woman from her past becomes involved. The story feels Hitchcockian, reminiscent of "Rear Window", as Leona tries to piece together bits of information to understand what is happening in the world outside.
Burt Lancaster plays her husband, Henry Stevenson. It is one of his early roles. Many of the characters in the film seem threatening, and Ed Begley, who plays Leona's father, is adept at such roles, though we see how he melts under the manipulations of his daughter.
Director Anatole Litvak presents a dark, isolated world, aided by the score of Franz Waxman. It is all intended to place the viewer in the same situation as Leona. Though the narrative is sometimes confusing, the suspense increases throughout. In fact, some confusion may actually contribute to the viewer's identification with Leona, who struggles to fully understand her situation, and to regain control.