Portrait of Alison

A successful architect, Greg Chamberlain, is plagued by memories of his past and a persistent cough that may be psychosomatic. He's drawn into a complex web involving his estranged wife, Alison, who is institutionalized, and a mysterious woman named Ellen. As Greg tries to untangle the truth about his relationships and his own mental state, he confronts unsettling revelations about betrayal and his own role in the unfolding drama.

Portrait of Alison, also known as The Cobweb, received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised its atmospheric tension and psychological depth, others found its narrative convoluted and its characters underdeveloped. Audiences were divided, with some appreciating its noir elements and others finding it slow-paced.

• Praised for its tense atmosphere and psychological themes.

• Criticized for a confusing plot and unengaging characters.

• Robert Mitchum's performance was a highlight for some viewers.

Google audience: Audience reception for Portrait of Alison is largely unavailable, making it difficult to gauge specific likes or dislikes from Google user reviews. General sentiment from the era suggests a mixed reception, with appreciation for its darker themes but disappointment in its narrative clarity.

The film was originally titled 'The Cobweb' and was intended as a more psychological drama, but was later retitled and marketed with more noir elements to capitalize on Robert Mitchum's established image.