Review of Queen Bee (1955) by Ashley H — 08 Jan 2013

Never come between me and my liquor. You'll get knocked down.

Eva Phillips is a southern socialite that can be charming one moment and manipulative and conniving the next. She invites a distant niece to come live with her and join in her games. What her niece finds is that most people can't stand her but she struggles to understand why. Will the niece defend and save Eva or join the minions trying to bring her down?

"I've been very rude?".

"Oh, no. Not very.".

"Good, then I don't have to apologize.".

Ranald MacDougall, director of Man on Fire (1957): The World, The Flesh, and The Devil; The Subterraneans; Go Naked in the World; and Cockeyed Cowboys of Calico County, delivers Queen Bee. The storyline for this picture is unpredictable and contains wonderfully intricate characters. I adored watching the plot unfold and the cast delivers wonderful performances. The cast includes Joan Crawford, John Ireland, Betsy Palmer, and Fay Wray.

"I don't like you.".

"Well, I like you.".

I have become fond of Crawford pictures. She isn't particularly pretty but she does have an awkward sense of unpredictability about all of her characters. She can be ruthless and generous in the same gesture. Her smiles can be authentic and fake at the same time. I find her characters extremely intriguing and definitely entertaining. This movie is another entertaining Crawford picture that I strongly recommend seeing once.

"Your turn will come. She'll sting you one day.".

Grade: B+.