The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946)
One of the iconic classic mysteries, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers stars Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin, Lizabeth Scott, Judith Anderson, Roman Bohnen, and introduces a new young actor in his first film: Kirk Douglas.
In the start of the movie, Janis Wilson plays young Barbara Stanwyck. She feels oppressed by her rich aunt, Judith Anderson, and is tempted to run away with her friend Darryl Hickman, a poor, young kid who often gets in trouble. She stays home, and grows close to her other childhood friend, Mickey Kuhn. Many years later, the children are grown, and Van Heflin returns home to find things changed. He’s still the same boy who came from the wrong side of the tracks, but Barbara Stanwyck is wealthy, powerful, and married to Kirk Douglas. While there’s some tension crackling between Barbara and Van, he also becomes enamored with bad-girl Lizabeth Scott.
John Patrick’s story and Robert Rossen’s screenplay are riveting, and Barbara Stanwyck is always fantastic, especially in a multi-layered, antihero role. If you thought she was great in Double Indemnity, you’ll be blown away by this film. Kirk Douglas is wonderful, and that’s not even giving him credit for giving such a performance in his first movie! He’s known now for his tough guy roles, but in The Strange Love of Martha Ivers, he’s the absolute opposite of every role he played since. He’s weak and leans on symbolic crutches to get him through life. He doesn’t show an ounce of physical prowess, and he’s completely convincing as having never done a day’s work in his life.
Ironically, the main character and his love interest—Van and Lizabeth—are the worst parts of the movie. Van is supposed to be magnetic, hunky, and the type of guy you’d want to turn to when you’re in trouble. Lizabeth is supposed to be trustworthy and easy to root for. I didn’t think either actor pulled off those requirements. Still, it’s an entertaining movie to watch, for the story and the other actors. Perfect for a dark night, a fire, and a blanket to cuddle up with!
Kiddy warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, in the beginning, Judith Anderson beats a cat to death, so I wouldn't let my kids watch this movie.
Want to watch it? Click here to watch it on ok.ru. And thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Kirk Douglas movies here!
More Barbara Stanwyck movies here!
In the start of the movie, Janis Wilson plays young Barbara Stanwyck. She feels oppressed by her rich aunt, Judith Anderson, and is tempted to run away with her friend Darryl Hickman, a poor, young kid who often gets in trouble. She stays home, and grows close to her other childhood friend, Mickey Kuhn. Many years later, the children are grown, and Van Heflin returns home to find things changed. He’s still the same boy who came from the wrong side of the tracks, but Barbara Stanwyck is wealthy, powerful, and married to Kirk Douglas. While there’s some tension crackling between Barbara and Van, he also becomes enamored with bad-girl Lizabeth Scott.
John Patrick’s story and Robert Rossen’s screenplay are riveting, and Barbara Stanwyck is always fantastic, especially in a multi-layered, antihero role. If you thought she was great in Double Indemnity, you’ll be blown away by this film. Kirk Douglas is wonderful, and that’s not even giving him credit for giving such a performance in his first movie! He’s known now for his tough guy roles, but in The Strange Love of Martha Ivers, he’s the absolute opposite of every role he played since. He’s weak and leans on symbolic crutches to get him through life. He doesn’t show an ounce of physical prowess, and he’s completely convincing as having never done a day’s work in his life.
Ironically, the main character and his love interest—Van and Lizabeth—are the worst parts of the movie. Van is supposed to be magnetic, hunky, and the type of guy you’d want to turn to when you’re in trouble. Lizabeth is supposed to be trustworthy and easy to root for. I didn’t think either actor pulled off those requirements. Still, it’s an entertaining movie to watch, for the story and the other actors. Perfect for a dark night, a fire, and a blanket to cuddle up with!
Kiddy warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, in the beginning, Judith Anderson beats a cat to death, so I wouldn't let my kids watch this movie.
Want to watch it? Click here to watch it on ok.ru. And thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Kirk Douglas movies here!
More Barbara Stanwyck movies here!
Hot Toasty Rag Nominations:
Best Actress of 1946: Barbara Stanwyck
Best Supporting Actor: Kirk Douglas