Whirlpool (1949)

A woman secretly suffering from kleptomania is hypnotized in an effort to cure her condition. Soon afterwards, she is found at the scene of a murder with no memory of how she got there and seemingly no way to prove her innocence.

Director:

Otto Preminger

Writers:

Ben Hecht (screenplay), Andrew Solt (screenplay)

Stars:

Gene Tierney, Richard Conte, José Ferrer

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Gene Tierney	...	Ann Sutton
Richard Conte	...	Dr. William 'Bill' Sutton
José Ferrer	...	David Korvo (as Jose Ferrer)
Charles Bickford	...	Lt. James Colton
Barbara O'Neil	...	Theresa Randolph
Eduard Franz	...	Martin Avery
Constance Collier	...	Tina Cosgrove
Fortunio Bonanova	...	Feruccio di Ravallo

Storyline

The wife of a psycho-analyst falls prey to a devious quack hypnotist when he discovers she is an habitual shoplifter. Then one of his previous patients, now being treated by the real psycho-analyst, is found murdered. With her still at the scene suspicion points only one way.

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Plot Keywords:

hypnotist | psychiatrist | kleptomaniac | alibi | deception | 

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Taglines:

There are two sides to every woman when she gives her heart to one man...and she loses her soul to another.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Film-Noir | Mystery | Romance | Thriller

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

28 November 1949 (USA)

Also Known As:

Methinks the Lady

Filming Locations:

20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Final film of Constance Collier.

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Goofs

At the beginning of the film, it is obvious that the store's "glass" doors have no glass in them whatsoever.

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Quotes

David Korvo: You were wise not to tell your husband, Mrs. Sutton. A successful marriage is usually based on what a husband and wife don't know about each other.

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Connections

Featured in Breathless (1960)

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Soundtracks

Again
(uncredited)
Music by Lionel Newman
Played at the hotel lounge

User Reviews

One of the most senseless and dullest noirs ever made

As a lover of film noir, I can say without hesitation that this is one of the worst ever. Joe Ferrer's hypnosis of Gene Tierney to allow her to sleep is nothing compared to the yawns which are brought about by the slow pace, lack of action, and interminable pauses between lines. At one point, Gene Tierney swears that she hasn't be lying, and you want to respond: "Of course, you haven't. You haven't said anything of import." The storyline makes absolutely no sense. Jose Ferrer has set up the perfect crime so what does he do? Return to the scene for no good reason so that he can be caught. He hypnotizes Gene Tierney to steal incriminating evidence and then has her place the items where they will undoubtedly discovered in just a matter of time. A complete waste of wonderful performers. Cross this one off the list.