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Ever since Suspicion indeed, on the one hand, and Rebecca on the other, volumes of reel of film have told the tales of the paranoid woman of the era, she is the very sight of the times and the very words sudden fear themselves may be used to describe noir itself, it's attack vogue, it's play in the dark nature, the insuring lustre of stars on the screen, reworking in this case the themes, of suspicion, and the key player in the play of death is a dictating machine, a media within the media.
What could be more noir, than this staple with its melodramatic plot and car swerving, killing madness, screams and forged notes, and lover's conversations in the paranoid night. The question mark has a question mark.
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The Academy ratio of 1.375:1 (abbreviated as 1.37:1) is an aspect ratio of a frame of 35 mm film standardised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as the standard film aspect ratio in 1932, although similar-sized ratios were used as early as 1928.
All studio films shot in 35 mm from 1932 to 1952 were shot in the Academy ratio. However, following the widescreen revolution or at least was it a failed revolution, or a shift, of 1953, it quickly became an obsolete production format.
Within several months, all major studios started matting their non-anamorphic films in the projector to wider ratios such as 1.6, 1.75, and 1.85, the last of which is still considered a standard ratio along with anamorphic (2.39).
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On its way out Academy ratio left Sudden Fear which has all the classic noir mannerisms that came to head over ten years earlier in 1941, but here, Sudden Fear is pulled in a modern direction too, thanks to the great music of Elmer Bernstein.
It is your quintessential RKO thriller styled Academy ration noir, from the dying months of the ratio and its formats, and some would say it ain't no noir if it ain't Academy. Who knows.
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Joan Crawford is drawing on the noir roles of yore, in this movie, what we now call the bridge of noir, the high point when the traditional 40s film noir style and the style that characterised the 1950s, what has been called aberrant by Robert Profirio.
Sudden Fear, a 1952 silver screen marvel, helmed by the illustrious David Miller, featuring the indomitable Joan Crawford and the formidable Jack Palance is a noir which weaves a web of deceit, passion, and peril. The script, a fine fun slow then fast work penned by the illustrious Lenore J. Coffee and the astute Robert Smith, draws its essence from the literary opus of the same title by the enigmatic Edna Sherry. Oh yeah. Based on the book.
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Sudden Fear, an RKO Pictures film, showcases Joan Crawford’s pivotal role in its creation, offering a compelling blend of romance, drama, and suspense that echoes the essence of a Hitchcock noir. Without the Hitchcock and a lot of what that entails.
The film’s first half may unfold slowly, introducing characters in a light romantic context, but it sets the stage for the thrilling elements that emerge later. The second half ramps up the tension with a sense of urgency, greed-fuelled schemes, and a complex revenge plot. Director David Miller brings a flair for drama and style, focusing on the protagonist Myra’s challenges while gracefully navigating through some of the story’s more improbable turns.
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Crawford’s performance is intense, reminiscent of the exaggerated expressions of silent films, which Miller uses to his advantage. As the film nears its end, the dialogue recedes, allowing Elmer Bernstein’s stirring score to heighten the suspense.
Despite the multitude of scheming characters, their plans unravel unpredictably. The winding streets of San Francisco, occasionally substituted by Los Angeles, serve as a fitting backdrop, reflecting the film’s intricate plot and enhancing its moody atmosphere.
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In this movie Jack Palance, amidst an ardent embrace, proclaims to his beloved, "I could break your bones." And, astonishingly, he imparts this with the tenderness of a love line.
This epitomizes the bizarre allure, the captivating whimsy, and the outright unconventional spirit that this motion picture flaunts. Witness the ocular performance of Joan, so emphatic that it verges on comedic.
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While Sudden Fear"does not gallivant in the genre of comedy, and while this article was not written by a large language model, it harbours sequences that are uproariously ludicrous in a "did they really just say that?" manner.
Be on the lookout for the junctures when Joan, with nothing but her dramatically widened eyes, responds to eavesdropped dialogues, her own covert plotting, or the voices in her MIIIND with mere silent, wide-eyed reaction shots.
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Joan also ascends as an immensely poignant figure, more so than in almost any other Crawford film I've ever encountered and like you we have encountered and beheld nearly the entire compendium and canon.
Sudden Fear serves as irrefutable evidence that a multitude of obscured cinematic treasures are scattered about, awaiting discovery and it is testament to noir and noire themselves.
Another name for film noir may well in fact be film peur soudaine. It is genuinely exhilarating at intervals and, in essence, pure classic Crawford. Anticipate the scene where Joan envelops her romantic counterpart Palance and queries, "I was just wondering what I'd done to deserve you."
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In the heart of Broadway’s luminescent glow, Myra Hudson, portrayed by the incomparable Crawford, reigns supreme as a playwright par excellence. Her world is upended when she crosses paths with the dashing Lester Blaine, embodied by the brooding Palance. Initially spurned for the lead in her latest theatrical venture, Lester’s fate intertwines with Myra’s aboard a locomotive steaming towards San Francisco. Ensnared by his charms, Myra succumbs to a whirlwind romance, culminating in nuptials with the enigmatic stranger.
Unbeknownst to Lester, but very well knownst to us as audience Myra orchestrates a clandestine revision of her last testament, poised to bequeath her earthly riches to him. Amidst dictating her desires into the mechanical confidant of her dictating machine, a soiree’s commencement halts her. The device, left unattended, becomes an unwitting witness to a sinister plot.
THE MALE GRIP IN FILM NOIR
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Lester, alongside his clandestine paramour, Irene Neves — the radiant Gloria Grahame — stumbles upon the original will, a document decreeing Myra’s fortune to a charitable foundation. A murderous proposition is whispered, and the dictating machine captures every treacherous word.
Sudden Fear is notable for being the first film to credit Jack Palance by his first name Jack, rather than Walter Jack. Despite two songs being credited onscreen, they were not featured in the movie. Initially, producer Joseph Kaufman planned to film in Europe, as reported in November 1949. However, by July 1951, it was announced that production would take place in the East, but ultimately, filming occurred in San Francisco, including scenes in Golden Gate Park.
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In the film, Myra Hudson, portrayed by Joan Crawford, is a wealthy playwright who finds joy in the acclaim her work brings. During casting for her latest play, she rejects Lester Blaine, played by Jack Palance, for lacking romantic appeal, which he resents.
Fatefully, Myra encounters Lester on a train to San Francisco, where he charms her into a swift romance. However, Lester’s intentions are murky; it’s unclear if his manipulation stems from love or avarice.
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They marry, but the arrival of Irene, an old flame from Lester’s past, at a party signals trouble. Irene’s presence reveals Lester’s true colors as a former swindler, now content as Myra’s husband—until his past catches up with him.
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The plot thickens as Myra uncovers their murderous scheme, thanks to a clever narrative twist. Despite her wealth, Myra opts for a dramatic resolution over escape, devising a plan to outwit her would-be killers. The film cleverly splits into two halves: the first filled with dialogue and the second, a near-silent suspenseful struggle for survival.
The performances, particularly by Crawford and Palance, are nuanced and expressive. Crawford’s post-MGM career, freed from subpar roles, shines in this film, showcasing her talent in a gripping narrative. This film is a testament to her enduring legacy and is highly recommended for its thrilling plot and exceptional acting.
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Ferris Taylor and Esther Dale were both mentioned in 1951 and 1952 news items as cast members, but neither appeared in the final cut of the film. A July 1952 report revealed that Joan Crawford and director David Miller agreed to participate in the film’s profits. Crawford, with control over the script and casting, opted for a forty percent stake in the film, valued at $720,000, instead of a direct salary of $200,000.
She initially wanted Clark Gable as her co-star, but Miller, considering Gable unsuitable for the role, convinced her to choose Palance after showing her his performance in Panic in the Streets.
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But the names in this noir alone. Some of the film noirs are happy to ship into theatre with some working names for characters, but there are certain noirs which beg more of their characterisation and its nomenclature.
In Sudden Fear, Joan Crawford shines as a wealthy playwright who, despite her initial reservations about Jack Palance’s lack of traditional leading-man charm, finds herself enamoured with him during an unexpected train encounter. The film cleverly uses the lack of palpable chemistry between Crawford and Palance to its advantage, reflecting the complex dynamics of their characters’ relationship.
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Joan Crawford’s deep involvement in ‘Sudden Fear’ as both the lead actress and producer is evident throughout the film. Her distinctive style will delight her fans, although others might find the intense fear and unlikely romantic entanglements a bit too much.
The film excels in certain areas, particularly with its portrayal of doomed love triangles and a complex web of schemes reminiscent of a stage drama. However, these elements are constantly present, which might not appeal to everyone.
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Joan Crawford’s resurgence in the early 1940s at Warner Brothers, with films like Mildred Pierce, Humoresque, Possessed, and Daisy Kenyon, marked a revival in her career. Despite her age, she remained a bankable star, having risen from humble beginnings to become a beloved figure on the silver screen, dedicated to her craft and her fans.
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Seeking independence, Crawford approached independent producer Joseph Kaufman with the idea of adapting Edna Sherry’s novel Sudden Fear. She took the reins of creative control, enlisting Lenore Coffee, a trusted screenwriter from her MGM days, and David Miller, a director she respected. She even suggested Elmer Bernstein, an emerging film composer, for the score, and insisted on Charles Lang, a renowned cinematographer, to capture the film’s noir essence.
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In the shadow-drenched thriller Sudden Fear, the venerable Joan Crawford delivers a riveting performance as a wealthy playwright. Her character makes the controversial decision to dismiss the unconventional Jack Palance from her latest Broadway venture, citing his distinct appearance as ill-suited for the role of a romantic lead. However, fate intervenes when the two cross paths on a train journey, where Palance, with his peculiar charm, manages to captivate Crawford’s character, despite her initial reservations.
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Palance’s character may not conform to traditional standards of attractiveness, but his persuasive eloquence and attentive demeanor gradually endear him to the seasoned playwright. She finds herself unexpectedly drawn to the very qualities she once deemed unsuitable.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes apparent that Palance harbors resentment over his earlier dismissal. Driven by a mix of spite and avarice, he concocts a sinister plot, targeting Crawford’s considerable fortune. The allure of wealth proves to be a powerful motivator, strong enough to eclipse any personal distaste he might have felt.
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For the fans and for the classic rave of it all Gloria Grahame, the epitome of noir allure, becomes Palance’s true focus of affection. Together, they weave a web of deceit, that phrase again! planning to eliminate Crawford’s character. But the cunning playwright uncovers their nefarious intentions and embarks on a quest to outmaneuver her youthful adversaries.
Sudden Fear stands as a testament to the grandeur of classic cinema, providing a stage for iconic actresses like Joan Crawford to showcase their formidable talent. Her portrayal in this film is so intense and captivating that it secured her a nomination for the highest accolade in acting—the Academy Award. This film is a must-see for aficionados of the genre, offering a compelling blend of passion, suspense, and betrayal.
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Crawford relished the opportunity to cast herself in roles of her choosing, as she expressed in an interview with Time magazine. The production, set in San Francisco, was a labor of love, with Crawford and Kaufman pooling together $720,000 for the budget. Crawford opted for a share of the profits over a salary, a decision that proved lucrative.
However, tensions arose between Crawford and Palance during filming. She had reservations about his casting, doubting his suitability as her leading man, despite his strong screen presence. Palance, born Walter Palahnuik to Ukrainian immigrant parents, had a diverse background, from athletics to military service, before pursuing acting. His performance in Panic in the Streets led to his role in Sudden Fear, earning him critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination.
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The dynamic on set was complicated by Crawford’s commanding presence and Palance’s method acting, which she found unconvincing. Their off-screen relationship was strained, further intensified by Palance’s affair with Grahame, adding a layer of authenticity to the on-screen drama. Palance, uncomfortable with Crawford’s dominance, expressed his frustration to the press, highlighting the power dynamics at play during the production.
The first twenty-five minutes, which seem quite far-fetched, set up the marriage between Crawford and Jack Palance’s characters. Gloria Grahame’s character, the scorned ex-girlfriend, then enters the scene, creating a complex dynamic of desire and jealousy that drives the plot.
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This tangled web of relationships is the core of the film, leading to a deep exploration of emotions such as lust, envy, and jealousy, as well as anxiety and uncertainty for the young couple. For Crawford’s character, it brings about feelings of fear, betrayal, anger, shock, dread, and a complete emotional breakdown.
David Miller’s Sudden Fear (1952) is a notable film that earned Joan Crawford an Academy Award nomination. Set in San Francisco, it narrates the tale of a triumphant playwright, portrayed by Crawford, and an actor, played by Jack Palance, who doesn’t secure a part in her newest play. Their paths cross on a train, leading to romance and marriage.
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However, the plot thickens with the arrival of a former lover, played by Gloria Grahame, from the actor’s past. Despite its lengthy runtime of 110 minutes and its tendency to oscillate between melodrama and noir, the stellar performances by the cast render the film a must-watch. Sudden Fear has garnered a following, with some considering it a cult classic.
It was nominated for four Oscars, recognizing Crawford, Palance, and the film’s cinematography and costume design. Interestingly, Grahame won an Oscar the same year, albeit for a different movie, The Bad and the Beautiful.
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The film becomes particularly engaging when Crawford’s character begins to outsmart her adversaries, turning the tables and making the hunters become the hunted.
Visually, ‘Sudden Fear’ is generally understated, but the director enhances the unraveling plot with stylish shots and lighting. The performances are as strong as one would expect from such a cast, and the musical score complements the film well.
The finale keeps up with the intense emotional turmoil, culminating in a climax that is fittingly dramatic.
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Gloria Grahame also delivers a strong performance as Palance’s on-screen girlfriend, with their interactions marked by a rough, yet strangely affectionate tone. The movie escalates into a gripping thriller once the characters marry, showcasing excellent writing and direction. Palance’s agility in his role complements Crawford’s standout performance, although the film’s poor print quality has been a detractor in dark scenes.
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The film was heavily promoted by RKO and became a commercial success. Sudden Fear was a significant milestone for Palance, earning him his first major role and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film also garnered nominations for Best Actress for Crawford, as well as for Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design, both in black and white.
The revelation shatters Myra, her only evidence now shattered fragments on the floor. Desperation breeds a diabolical counterplot; Myra, wielding her quill like a sword, devises a plan to ensnare Lester in a fatal trap, casting suspicion upon Irene. As the machinations of her mind’s theatre play out, Myra confronts her own reflection, a gun-toting visage that horrifies her soul. She recoils from her deadly design, but the wheels of fate are already in motion.
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Lester, now privy to Myra’s gambit, ignites a harrowing pursuit through San Francisco’s labyrinthine streets. Myra, afoot and adrift in the urban maze, eludes his vehicular predator. Meanwhile, Irene, draped in attire mirroring Myra’s, becomes an unintended target. In a tragic twist, Lester’s steel chariot, driven by murderous intent, claims the lives of both himself and Irene. Myra, emerging from the shadows, exhales a breath of liberation, her silhouette disappearing into the embrace of the night.
Sudden Fear stands out as a masterpiece of Film Noir, brimming with suspense and vitality. The film’s allure lies in the compelling performances of its lead actors. Jack Palance delivers a riveting portrayal of a duplicitous actor husband, while Gloria Grahame skillfully embodies the role of the seductive mistress plotting alongside Palance.
However, it is Joan Crawford who truly captivates the audience, delivering an emotionally charged and flawless performance as the affluent playwright and intended murder victim. Her presence is magnetic, ensuring that she commands attention in every scene.
This film is a must-watch for its brilliant execution and the exceptional talent of its cast. Missing it would be a regrettable oversight for any cinephile, as Sudden Fear is a shining example of cinematic excellence. These are a few reasons why it is awarded classic film noir status.
Thus concludes the tale, a maelstrom of ambition and survival, etched forever in the annals of film noir. Oh yeah, those annals, yeah those annals.
Sudden Fear presents a unique blend of tension and unexpected humor. Jack Palance’s character, in a moment of peculiar romance, tells a woman, I could break your bones, which captures the film’s unconventional charm. Joan Crawford’s performance is particularly noteworthy for its expressive eye-action, which adds a layer of comedy to the thriller. Although not a comedy, the film includes moments of sheer hilarity that catch the audience off guard.
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Joan Crawford’s portrayal is deeply empathetic, arguably more so than in any of her other films. The movie, Sudden Fear, might not be widely recognized, but it stands out as an engaging and thrilling piece of cinema, filled with suspenseful and iconic moments. It’s a hidden gem that proves there are many underrated movies that deserve more attention.
Sudden Fear stands in stark contrast to Crawford’s other films from the same era, such as the melodramatic Torch Song and the unintentionally humorous Queen Bee. Unlike these films, where Crawford’s beauty is exaggerated, Sudden Fear presents her as a more relatable figure, a successful woman who isn’t defined by her looks. This nuanced portrayal contributes to making Sudden Fear an exquisite film, possibly one of Crawford’s finest works.
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Sudden Fear (1952)
Release Date: August 1952
Premiere Information: New York opening: 7 Aug 1952
Production Date: late Jan--late Mar 1952 at Republic Studios
Copyright Number and Claimant: Joseph Kaufman Productions, Inc.7 August 1952LP1940
Sound: RCA Sound System
Duration(in mins):110-111
Length(in feet):9,966
PCA No:15865
The best possible article on the internet about Sudden Fear (1952) is at moviediva.com here.
