Sudden Fear (Digitally Remastered)

A fantastic, brand-new restoration from the original elements of this gripping multi-Oscar nominated noir. Following a whirlwind courtship, acclaimed playwright Myra Hudson (Joan Crawford) marries Lester Blaine (Jack Palance), a slick actor she has just fired from her latest play. Shortly after the honeymoon, Myra overhears Lester and his lover, Irene (Gloria Grahame), plotting to murder the wealthy writer for her inheritance. Shattered by the revelation, Myra pulls herself together and hatches a revenge scheme. But can she go through with her violent plans?

Review

Simply a cleverly turned melodrama. –The New York Times

One of Crawford’s finest performances is in 1952’s Sudden Fear; in a DCP restoration… a restoration hopefully is on its way to other arthouse theaters around the country. Since the magnificent and nightmarish noir effects of the film have been well-covered by many other worthy writers, a closer look at Crawford’s superb performance is in order. Sudden Fear; got Crawford her third (and final) Oscar nomination. Directed by David Miller, Sudden Fear; also received Oscar nominations for co-star Jack Palance, Charles Lang for his stunning cinematography, and Sheila O’Brien for costumes. (& Miss Crawford’s Wardrobe; gets an entire screen in the credits: O’Brien for gowns, with others handling jewels and furs and hats and lingerie.) –Roger Ebert.com

Noir-Inflected, Sudden Fear is an Underseen Classic Waiting to Be Rediscovered. –Village Voice