Review of Leave Her to Heaven (1945) by Cecilia C — 13 Mar 2009

If you?ve seen Laura or any other of Gene Tierney?s films, you know she usually plays a good woman. Maybe not always a perfect lady but a law-abiding, seemingly moral character. In Leave Her to Heaven, any question of morality, honor, and integrity flies out of window.

Tierney plays an evil woman. This is not giving anything away or being too harsh. Right from the beginning, we find out Tierney?s not quite right, though it?s not until later in the film that she reveals her true viciousness.

And, viciousness might be putting it mildly. The story revolves around Tierney?s character?s relationship with Cornel Wilde. Some of the things her character does in this film?well, they are just unspeakable.

And, Tierney pulls them all off with conviction and believability. This woman who can be so innocent and naïve in other films becomes this ruthless devil without skipping a beat. Watch this one because it?s a good film, but mostly because of the GREAT performance by a truly underrated actress.