Movie spotlight
Actor Lester Blaine has all but landed the lead in Myra Hudson's new play when Myra vetoes him because, to her, he doesn't look like a romantic leading man. On a train from New York to San Francisco, Blaine sets out to prove Myra wrong...by romancing her. Is he sincere, or does he have a dark ulterior motive?
Myra Hudson, a successful San Francisco playwright, falls for the charming but ruthless Lester Blaine. Unbeknownst to her, Blaine is already married to Irene, and together they plot to murder Myra for her fortune. Myra overhears their deadly plan and must find a way to outwit the couple before they can execute their scheme.
Sudden Fear was met with a positive critical reception, praised for its suspenseful plotting, strong performances, and stylish direction, becoming a notable entry in the film noir genre.
Praised for its taut suspense and Patricia Highsmith's gripping screenplay.
Joan Crawford's performance as the vulnerable yet determined heroine was widely commended.
The film's noir atmosphere and Jack Palance's chilling portrayal of the villain were highlights.
Google audience: Audience reception information for this classic film is not readily available through Google user reviews.
Nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Actor (Jack Palance) and Best Costume Design (Color).
The screenplay was adapted from the novel of the same name by Edna Sherry, not Patricia Highsmith, though Highsmith's distinctive style is often noted in discussions of the film's suspenseful narrative.
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Joan Crawford and Jack Palance both turn in strong performances in this dark tale of ambition and betrayal. Crawford is great portraying a middle-aged playwright who bumps Palance off a play she has written. On a train journey, however, the...
You know what happened to Nietzsche? Sudden Fear is directed by David Miller and adapted to screenplay by Lenore J. Coffee and Robert Smith from the novel written by Edna Sherry. It stars Joan Crawford, Jack Palance and Gloria Grahame. ...
noiroftheweek.com The Homme Fatale in Sudden Fear “See, I’m not the kind of man who can live on his wife’s money.” We’re twenty-four minutes into the film Sudden Fear when we realize that the main male character, actor Lester Bl...