The Woman in the Window
The Woman in the Window

Movie spotlight

The Woman in the Window

1944
Movie
99 min
English

A seductive woman gets an innocent professor mixed up in murder.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic76/100
Google Users87%
Director: Fritz LangGenres: Film Noir, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A lonely, man-hunting psychologist's wife becomes entangled in a murder plot when she witnesses a killing from her apartment window. As she attempts to cover up the crime, she finds herself facing blackmail and the potential consequences of her actions. The suspense escalates as she tries to protect herself and her reputation, leading to a surprising and controversial turn of events.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Woman in the Window' was generally well-received by critics for its suspenseful plot, strong performances, and Fritz Lang's masterful direction. It is considered a classic of the film noir genre, praised for its intricate plotting and atmospheric tension, though its ending has been a subject of debate for decades.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its suspenseful narrative and atmospheric direction.

  • Edward G. Robinson delivers a compelling performance as the troubled protagonist.

  • The film's controversial ending remains a point of discussion among viewers and critics.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciate the film's thrilling plot and classic noir elements, though some find the resolution to be jarring or unsatisfying. The performances, particularly Edward G. Robinson's, are frequently highlighted as strengths.

Fun Fact

The film's highly debated and somewhat tacked-on ending was reportedly added at the insistence of the studio to lighten the dark tone, much to the dismay of director Fritz Lang and screenwriter Nunnally Johnson.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Fritz Lang is at his mischievous best in this cracking noir murder mystery. Genteel professor Edward G. Robinson ("Wanley") retires most evenings to his club with two close friends then as he heads home, passes a gallery which has a women's...

John Chard

John Chard

I was warned of the siren call of adventure. The Woman in the Window is directed by Fritz Lang and adapted by Nunnally Johnson from the novel "Once off Guard" written by J.H. Wallis. It stars Edward G. Robinson, Joan Bennett, Raymond Ma...