Review of Sudden Fear (1952) by William D — 18 Mar 2012
"Sudden Fear" is not much more than an ordinary thriller, but it is directed and acted so perfectly that it is uniquely gripping and satisfying. Its stars, Joan Crawford and an alarmingly young and studly Jack Palance, both won Oscar nominations for their work in the film. Not many thrillers can say that. Director David Miller may have had a lackluster career overall, but he was in top form here.
Crawford plays a highly successful playwright, Palance a struggling actor trying to get a part in one of her plays. The two eventually fall in love, marry, and move to her native San Francisco, despite a fairly significant age difference.
The movie plays like a delightful love story until a shocking turning point morphs it suddenly into a film noir. I won't reveal the details and ruin the surprise. I'll just say that you'll be on the edge of your seat every minute, and the emotional shock that Crawford's character undergoes you will feel deeply.
This review of Sudden Fear (1952) was written by William D on 18 Mar 2012.
Sudden Fear has generally received very positive reviews.
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