Back from the Dead
Back from the Dead

Movie spotlight

Back from the Dead

1957
Movie
79 min
English

A woman is possessed by the spirt of her husband's deceased first wife, turning her into a cold, scheming flirt who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. The woman's sister, husband and the sister's new boyfriend struggle with accepting what has happened, who has caused it and how to correct it, which soon brings them into contact with a coven of devil-worshippers and forces of the supernatural.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Otto PremingerGenres: Drama, Film Noir

Plot Summary

A devoted wife's life unravels when her husband, presumed dead after a wartime plane crash, returns with amnesia and a new wife. As her husband struggles to recall his past, she must confront the possibility that his disappearance might have been more deliberate than accidental. The situation becomes increasingly tense as the wife's own sanity is questioned, and the truth of her husband's return hangs precariously in the balance.

Critical Reception

Otto Preminger's 'Back from the Dead' is a taut psychological thriller that capitalizes on its noir elements and strong performances. While it may not be as widely recognized as some of Preminger's other works, it's often praised for its atmospheric tension and exploration of fractured identities and obsession. The film effectively uses its dramatic premise to keep audiences guessing about the true nature of the characters' motives and the events surrounding the husband's return.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and noir sensibility.

  • Lauded for strong performances from its leading actors, particularly in conveying psychological distress.

  • Noted for its intriguing premise that explores themes of memory, identity, and marital obsession.

Google audience: Audience reception information for this classic film is not readily available in a consolidated format. However, its enduring presence in film noir discussions suggests a continued appreciation for its suspenseful narrative and thematic depth.

Fun Fact

The film was based on the novel 'The Widows of Short Street' by Maysie Greig.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

There are shades of Noël Coward in this clever little mystery, and though the cast are all a bit wooden, it’s not a bad low-budget effort. We start with a distracted “Miranda” (Peggie Castle) who is distressing her new husband “Dick” (Arthu...