The Accused
The Accused

Movie spotlight

The Accused

1949
Movie
101 min
English

A prim psychology professor fights to hide a murder she committed in self-defense.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Tay GarnettGenres: Film-Noir, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A psychology professor named Wilma Tuttle becomes entangled in a murder investigation when her lover, a former student named Ted, is found dead. As Detective "Red" Doyle delves into the case, he uncovers a complex web of obsession, manipulation, and psychological distress surrounding Wilma's relationships. Wilma must confront her own repressed desires and past traumas to prove her innocence, revealing the dark undercurrents beneath her composed academic facade.

Critical Reception

The Accused was generally well-received for its suspenseful plot and strong performances, particularly from Loretta Young, who was praised for her portrayal of a complex and troubled woman. The film effectively utilized its film noir elements to create a tense and psychologically driven narrative, though some found the plot somewhat convoluted.

What Reviewers Say

  • Loretta Young delivers a compelling performance as a woman on the edge.

  • The film effectively builds suspense and psychological tension.

  • The noir atmosphere and complex plot contribute to its intriguing, albeit sometimes dense, narrative.

Google audience: Audience reception is not readily available.

Fun Fact

Loretta Young's performance was considered a departure from her typical roles, showcasing her range in a darker, more psychologically complex character.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

The Crime of Fear. The Accused is directed by William Dieterle and adapted to screenplay by Ketti Frings from the novel “Be Still, My Love” written by June Truesdell. It stars Loretta Young, Robert Cummings, Wendell Corey, Sam Jaffe and ...