Dead Ringer

Sisters Margaret and Edith are stark opposites, with Margaret (Bette Davis) being the wealthy, domineering one and Edith (also Bette Davis) being meek and subservient. After Margaret's ex-lover, a married man, dies, Edith finds herself implicated. In a desperate attempt to escape her own dire circumstances and inherit Margaret's fortune, Edith kills Margaret and assumes her identity, planning to fake her own death. However, her plan unravels as she struggles to maintain the facade and the police begin to investigate.

Dead Ringer received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with many critics praising Bette Davis's dual performance. While some found the plot somewhat convoluted, others appreciated its suspenseful nature and melodrama. Audience reception was generally favorable, drawn by Davis's star power and the film's noirish elements.

• Bette Davis delivers a commanding dual performance as the estranged sisters.

• The film offers effective suspense and a compelling, if melodramatic, plot.

• Some viewers found the narrative twists a bit predictable, but the acting carries the film.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight Bette Davis's powerhouse performance as the central draw, appreciating the film's suspenseful and dramatic storyline. Some found the plot to be a bit dated but still entertaining.

Bette Davis originally wanted to play both roles in *What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?* and *Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte*, but the studio only allowed her to play one role in each. 'Dead Ringer' was a project where she finally got to play dual roles.