Sudden Fear

Rating: 5+/5

A movie of romance, intrigue, intellect, and suspense. What more could you ask for in a classic film?

Sudden Fear stars Joan Crawford as Myra Hudson, a successful playwright and heiress. The opening of the movie shows Ms.Hudson overseeing the rehearsal of her newest play, only to discover that she doesn't agree with the director's casting of the leading man, Lester Blaine (Jack Palance).

Once the role has been recast and opening night proves her show to be another success, Myra goes back home to San Francisco, only to bump into Lester on the train. What follows is a whirlwind romance, leaving Myra thinking that she is the luckiest woman in the world.

At this point, Myra is overjoyed in the path her life has taken. Her play is a success, she is a newlywed who adores her husband, and she is looking forward to working on her next big hit. Everything is perfect, or is it? What follows is an intense ride of deceit, trickery, and revenge that keeps the viewer completely engrossed in this hidden gem of the classic film era.

Sudden Fear is definitely in my top 5 Joan Crawford movies. The acting in it is top notch, and even earned Ms.Crawford her 3rd Oscar nomination. One of the things that stood out to me in this movie was the intelligence behind the characters. I find that in many thrillers, both old and new, the victimized character makes very poor choices, and does so only to move the plot along, and this movie definitely does not fall into that trap. Instead, it shows a female lead that shows a determination and cleverness that can sometimes be seldom found.

I have seen this movie more times than I can count, and it is one that I will most definitely be watching many times in the future. Do yourself a favor and check it out if you haven't already. You won't be disappointed.