Itching Palms

A wealthy young woman, suffering from a mysterious skin condition that causes her to itch uncontrollably, becomes increasingly paranoid and isolated. As her condition worsens, she suspects her devoted husband and his ambitious doctor are conspiring against her. She delves into her past, searching for a cure and the truth behind her affliction, which seems to be tied to a dark family secret.

Upon its release, 'Itching Palms' was met with a mix of fascination and apprehension due to its unsettling themes and Pola Negri's intense performance. While some critics lauded its psychological depth and atmospheric tension, others found its subject matter disturbing and melodramatic. It remains a notable, albeit somewhat obscure, example of early psychological thrillers.

• Pola Negri delivers a tour-de-force performance as a woman unraveling.
• The film's claustrophobic atmosphere and psychological exploration are its strongest assets.
• Some found the melodramatic elements and unsettling premise too much to bear.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'Itching Palms' is difficult to ascertain due to its age, but contemporary reviews suggest it was a polarizing film, appreciated for its dramatic intensity by some and criticized for its disturbing nature by others.

The film's unusual premise and Pola Negri's raw performance were groundbreaking for the era, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable subject matter in mainstream cinema.