Sapphire

A financially struggling former actress, who secretly harbors a drinking problem, tries to make a comeback by accepting a role in a new film. She becomes entangled in a murder investigation when a young woman connected to the film's production is found dead. As the investigation unfolds, the actress's own past and secrets come under scrutiny.

Sapphire received mixed reviews upon its release, with critics often praising Joan Crawford's performance but finding the plot to be somewhat convoluted and predictable. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some appreciating the noir elements and Crawford's star power, while others were put off by the darker themes and pacing.

• Joan Crawford delivers a compelling, albeit at times melodramatic, performance.

• The film successfully captures the moody atmosphere of film noir.

• The plot occasionally becomes bogged down in its own mystery, leading to a less-than-satisfying resolution.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight Joan Crawford's commanding presence and the film's effective noir styling. However, some viewers found the narrative a bit slow-moving and the mystery less engaging than expected.

The film was Haskell Wexler's directorial debut, though he is more widely recognized for his groundbreaking work as a cinematographer on films like 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' and 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'.