Product: Sudden Fear [VHS]
Rating: 4.0
Great to re-experience the 'fear'...
Most of the previous reviewers have done an excellent job of outlining the plot details of this fine older film. I have just a few comments to add.Since DVDs have arrived and video has become a stepchild, we have an excellent opportunity to view old favorites with little impact on the purse. Sometimes a visit to old haunts proves our memory a little faulty or shows the film itself just hasn't aged well.I loved this movie that first time around and it proved to be just as wonderful in a recent memory lane visit.Joan Crawford, never one of my favorite actresses, deserved the Oscar for this performance, not just a nomination. It was definitely one of her best. She was able to convey the 'fear' without making one groan at any overacting. She portrayed a bright woman with a fear, a plan, a conscious, and a heart with brilliance and with just the right amount of conviction.Jack Palance, conversely always a favorite of mine, was his menacing best in this performance without having to overact for a second. The perfect role, played to perfection.It is always enjoyable to see the work of stars you have forgotten were in favorite old films. Touch (Mike) Conners (TV's Mannix) played Sonny in this film, which didn't rumble back into memory when I watched him each week on TV, but I recognized his name in the opening credits immediately this time. It was very interesting to watch him in retrospect in an early effort (perhaps his first?).Hollywood in their infinite wisdom seems to have decided that today's audiences are too jaded, too sophisticated, too juvenile, or too something to enjoy a simple thriller in the ilk of 'Sudden Fear', 'Midnight Lace', or other great 'woman-in-distress/woman-with-a-plan films, unless they modern-it-up as in 'Panic Room'. Perhaps they know a thing or two, since they are wealthy and I work a 9-to-5 job and post reviews on a website.However, speaking for myself, and hopefully for other viewers who still enjoy; a simple plot with character-study, suspense, b/w beauty, and pleasure while viewing, 'Sudden Fear' tells a great story in a suspenseful manner. I still makes for great viewing. Grab yourself a bargain and enjoy!