Product: Sudden Fear [VHS]
Rating: 5.0
Crawford in Brilliant Form
Joan Crawford achieved one of her greatest performances in the 1952 suspense classic "Sudden Fear." In the manner of so many great Hollywood classics, this film overcame an initial major hurdle when, after the film's director, David Miller, following dinner and discussion with the great actress, was reportedly told to leave in the most emotional terms by Crawford.The basis for Crawford's strong creative disagreement with Miller, and what would be a pivotal element of the project, was Miller's belief that film newcomer Jack Palance would be ideal for her leading man. As proof of his point, Miller had brought along a film for Crawford to watch after dinner, which was Palance's debut, "Panic in the Streets." After viewing the film Crawford mistakenly believed that Miller had either Richard Widmark or Paul Douglas, longstanding film professionals, in mind to play opposite her, and was insulted when Miller suggested newcomer Palance. Crawford reportedly also was turned off by Palance's appearance.Miller finally got Crawford to see things his way and the rest is cinema history as both the great leading lady and Palance received deserving Oscar nominations for their brilliant performances. Miller was shrewd enough to realize that an offbeat, terrifying looking leading man was just the antidote for Crawford, who therefore could appear vulnerable as was required by the exigencies of the story. The fascinating element about Crawford in this film is that she appears appropriately terrified, forging an entirely different persona from the assertive executive female type she normally played who was in full command of her agenda.The early phase of the film has a "life imitates art" aspect when Crawford, as Myra Hudson, a successful playwright, rejects actor Lester Blaine, played by Palance, for the lead in her Broadway play because he does not look appropriately romantic enough to play as leading man. He angrily tells her before leaving the theater that he looks exactly like that legendary lover of old, Cassanova.After Crawford's play opens to smashing reviews in New York she returns to her home in San Francisco, meeting Palance again as they are traveling on the same train. The second meeting between them becomes so supercharged with emotion that Palance abandons plans to stop in Chicago, where a new job offer beckons, traveling instead to San Francisco with Crawford.Myra Hudson comes from old San Francisco wealth. This along with her rich play royalties make her an enticing catch for the opportunistic Palance, who in time proves he more than looks like Cassanova. Before long the successful socialite and playwright becomes Mrs. Lester Blaine.At that point Palance's old romantic flame from New York, Gloria Grahame, enters the scene. They then plot to kill Crawford for her money. Crawford learns about their plot when it turns up on her dictating machine, unknown to the plotters.The story then enters a uniquely fascinating phase as Crawford seeks to use her playwright's imagination to concoct a scenario wherein the Palance-Grahame team will fail in their attempt and she will survive. Many of the scenes contain little or no dialogue, with Crawford's expressive eyes revealed with haunting conviction as they register alternately sadness over being betrayed by someone to whom she gave her heart and fear over being killed by the ruthless team of Palance and Grahame, who are tough-willed and make it plain they will stop at nothing to achieve their objective of wealth at Crawford's expense.In addition to pulsating drama, viewers are also treated to the beautiful scenery of San Francisco, which is captured magnificently by the camera's all-seeing eye.