Dead Ringer (1964)

The working-class twin sister of a callous, wealthy woman impulsively murders her out of revenge and assumes her identity. But impersonating her dead twin is more complicated and risky than she anticipated.

Director:

Paul Henreid

Writers:

Albert Beich (screenplay by), Oscar Millard (screenplay by)

Stars:

Bette Davis, Karl Malden, Peter Lawford

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Bette Davis	...	Margaret DeLorca / Edith Phillips
Karl Malden	...	Sgt. Jim Hobbson
Peter Lawford	...	Tony Collins
Philip Carey	...	Sgt. Hoag
Jean Hagen	...	Didi Marshall
George Macready	...	Paul Harrison
Estelle Winwood	...	Dona Anna
George Chandler	...	George
Mario Alcalde	...	Garcia
Cyril Delevanti	...	Henry
Monika Henreid	...	Janet
Bert Remsen	...	Dan Lister
Charles Watts	...	Apartment Manager
Ken Lynch	...	Capt. Johnson

Storyline

After the funeral of her brother-in-law, Edith Phillips learns that Margaret de Lorca, her rich twin sister, had tricked her way into marriage with the man she also loved. So she kills Margaret and assumes her identity and life-style. However, her life becomes complicated by her late sister's sleazy boyfriend, Tony Collins and Sgt. Jim Hobbson, a Los Angeles detective who loved the "dead" Edith.

---

Plot Keywords:

identical twins | actress playing dual role | fake suicide | same actress playing twin role | same actress playing two characters | 

---

Taglines:

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, now who's the fairest twin of all?

---

Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

---

Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 February 1964 (USA)

Also Known As:

Who Is Buried in My Grave?

Filming Locations:

Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery - 1831 W. Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,200,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Lana Turner turned the film down because she didn't want to play twins.

---

Goofs

When Mrs DeLorca is with her attorney signing papers his briefcase has two latches, but a third latch sound effect is seen and heard.

---

Quotes

Tony Collins: The only thing I care about is you and a Maserati in that order.

---

Connections

Referenced in Scarecrow and Mrs. King: Dead Ringer (1984)

---

Soundtracks

Shuffle Off to Buffalo
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Al Dubin
Sung by Bette Davis

User Reviews

fun film with extra Davis

Bette Davis is a poor bar owner and the wealthy widow who stole her sister's boyfriend in "Dead Ringer." Davis played twins before in "A Stolen Life." This time, she's Edie and her sister, the recently widowed Margaret DeLorca. The two have been estranged for many years - Margaret slept with Edie's boyfriend, DeLorca, said she was pregnant, and married the guy. The baby, a boy, died. On the way home from the funeral and a visit with her sister, Edie learns from the chauffeur that Margaret never had a baby. Edie kills her sister and switches identities with her, leaving Margaret in her place, in her clothes. By taking Margaret's identity, she also leaves behind her boyfriend, a police detective played by Karl Malden.

Edie soon learns that Margaret's life was - well, complicated. For one thing, she's involved with Peter Lawford. And there's more! Bette Davis does a great job as both sisters. This is an entertaining film that Davis fans won't want to miss.