Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

Like Clockwork: Sudden Fear

Sudden Fear (1952)

"I was just wondering what I had done to deserve you." Myra

This is one of those RKO Radio Pictures with the logo of the radio tower sending the lightning bolts forth that opened so many classic films. I'm entering this in rkingfish's Database Diving Write-off since it is so obscure, and Kingfish told me he really liked RKO Radio Pictures, the most famous of which was Citizen Kane.

Uberbi-tch Joan Crawford is in fine form as the rich heiress (Myra Hudson) who is also a successful playwright. The only thing she is lacking is someone to love her for her sweet little old self - and thinks she finds such a one in young Jack Palance, who is so incredibly ugly (sorry Jack!) that he must have some hidden qualities.

Palance plays an aspiring actor, Lester Blaine, and his relationship with La Crawford is off to a rocky start when she uses her clout to have him canned from the lead in her new production. Unabashed, Palance stalks her in a non-threatening way that makes her think their meeting up is a coincidence. Not only that, but he is so danged charming to the affection-starved Myra that she falls for him hook, line, and sinker. He accompanies her to her home in San Francisco and she shows him her inner sanctum where she dictates her plays to a Dictaphone. This machine turns out to be a godsend for her in an unexpected way, the silent servant revealing to her that a plot is in motion and the attentions of her good husband - yes, they were married - is all an act.

The movie is well scripted and shot, with much style and many camera angles that will evoke the eye of Hitchcock or Welles. The director, David Miller (Lonely Are the Brave) used many occasions to expound on the difference between a play and reality and the movie has multiple levels for the viewer to ponder how the characters put on acts for each other. For example Crawford's judgment as to Palance's attraction in the play versus the attraction she finds in him in reality. Crawford also goes through her plan step by step in a brilliant photo montage with about four exposures laid over each other. There are many juxtapositions like this that show what a tightly woven story it is. In addition, the story has many spots where glitches in somebody's well-oiled plan occur, mimicking a favorite dramatic theme of Hitchcock, also. Miller also knows how to build tension and keeps dialing it up until the end. Elmer Bernstein contributes a solid score that helps to keep the pace moving, too.

Casting was well done, with an especially fine performance from Joan Crawford, who outthinks the dastardly duo designing her doom. Jack Palance does a fine performance as the off-beat hunk the aging Crawford falls for, and the third side of the triangle; Gloria Grahame (The Bad and the Beautiful) as Palance's girlfriend who feigns interest in a local attorney acquaintance of Myra played by Mike Conners (yep, Mannix) so she can stay near to Palance without drawing suspicion. Lots of people give Gloria Grahame big kudos for this performance, but I didn't really see it. She does an adequate job as one of the plotters, and yes, she is cute; but Crawford runs away with the film like she stole it with Palance in hot pursuit. There would be lots more things I could discuss, but first I want you to see Sudden Fear so we can discuss it together.

The DVD is by Kino and is not restored but is fairly well preserved. There is some softness and graininess in some passages, but the 110 minute B&W movie is well worth your time. Available for purchase separately, it is also included in the Kino five title set Film Noir: The Dark Side of Hollywood for considerable savings.

The film this one reminded me of most was Lawrence Tierney and Claire Trevor, who ignite the screen in Born to Kill

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Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening