Review of Leave Her to Heaven (1945) by Martin T — 01 Jul 2010

Marvelous psychodrama, something like a noir Douglas Sirk (an apt comparison, perhaps, considering two of Sirk's films are remakes of John Stahl pictures). One usually doesn't think of color films as noir, especially such gorgeous Technicolor (the stunning cinematography won Leon Shamroy an Oscar), but the atmosphere is so grim and twisted that it fits.

The lake scene (the most famous moment from the movie) is one of the most chilling that I've ever witnessed. Gene Tierney does some of her best work, starting off as a seemingly harmless romantic lead and transforming into a wicked, demented femme fatale.

Cornel Wilde is good as well, although it's Vincent Price in a very small role who steals the show in the end. If the film has a major flaw, it's the slow beginning. Although the buildup is important, it's nearly an hour before you get to the meaty part of the story.

That's a minor quibble, however, and at least you can admire the lovely photography (and lovely Miss Tierney) along the way.