Madame X (1966)

When her lover is killed, the wife of a wealthy man is convinced to fake her own death, which leads her into greater depths of depravity until fate reunites her with her long-lost son, who is unaware of her real identity.

Director:

David Lowell Rich

Writers:

Jean Holloway (screenplay), Alexandre Bisson (play)

Stars:

Lana Turner, John Forsythe, Ricardo Montalban

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lana Turner	...	Holly Parker
John Forsythe	...	Clay Anderson
Ricardo Montalban	...	Phil Benton
Burgess Meredith	...	Dan Sullivan
John Van Dreelen	...	Christian Torben
Virginia Grey	...	Mimsy
Warren Stevens	...	Michael Spalding
Carl Benton Reid	...	The Judge
Teddy Quinn	...	Clay Anderson Jr. as a Boy
Frank Maxwell	...	Dr. Evans
Kaaren Verne	...	Nurse Riborg (as Karen Verne)
Joe De Santis	...	Carter (as Joe DeSantis)
Frank Marth	...	Det. Combs
Bing Russell	...	Police Sgt. Riley
Teno Pollick	...	Manuel Lopez

Storyline

A woman married to a wealthy socialite, is compromised by the accidental death of a man who had been romantically pursuing her, and is forced by her mother-in-law to assume a new identity to save the reputation of her husband and infant son. She wanders the world, trying to forget her heartbreak with the aid of alcohol and unsavory men, eventually returning to the city of her downfall, where she murders a blackmailer who threatens to expose her past. Amazingly, she is represented at her murder trial by her now adult son, who is a public defender. Hoping to continue to protect her son, she refuses to give her real name and is known to the court as the defendant, "Madame X."

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Plot Keywords:

trial | accidental death | assumed identity | europe | based on play | 

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Taglines:

There was always a man... there was never a name!

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Producer Ross Hunter developed this vehicle specifically for Lana Turner, with whom he had previously done a very successful remake of Imitation of Life. But during this film's production, syndicated gossip columnist Hedda Hopper reported that Turner was treating producer Hunter "like a dog," and was being "nothing but trouble," which may explain why this was their final collaboration.

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Goofs

Although the movie covers a 25-30 year span ending in the mid-Sixties, all of the women are dressed and coiffed in the height of mid-sixties fashions in scenes set in the late thirties/early forties.

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Quotes

Clayton 'Clay' Anderson: [to his mother while decorating Christmas tree] Mother, there aren't enough icicles on your side.

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Connections

Version of Madame X (1920)

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Soundtracks

Swedish Rhapsody
by Willy Mattes (as Charles Wildman)

User Reviews

It is much, much better than the 1937 version of Madame X

Madame X is a film best enjoyed by baby boomers and for those who can understand a mother's sacrificial love for her child and family. I am a romantic at heart and I always cry when I see this movie. This movie is not intended for children. I truly love this film. It is much, much better than the 1937 version of Madame X. The movie took a few minutes to draw me in. But I was hooked once bad things started to happen. I love the last scenes in the movie. This is where I always cry. Lana Turner was perfect in this role. Lana Turner's transformation was incredible. Beauty becomes a beast with a deep love hidden in her heart and then transforms into a paragon of motherhood. The director used his camera and lighting well. The musical background is perfect. This is a late night film or a rainy day film where you can blame your wet eyes at the end on the rain. No popcorn here. Just a glass of wine to enjoy this movie with.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish German

Release Date:

6 June 1966 (UK)

Also Known As:

Madame X

Filming Locations:

Greystone Park & Mansion - 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ross Hunter Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1