TW
The New York Times (A. H. Weiler)
Reviewed the film favorably, praising Joan Crawford's professional performance, the production's excellent taste, and David Miller's effective use of locations to create a doom-filled atmosphere.
Actor Lester Blaine has all but landed the lead in Myra Hudson's new play when Myra vetoes him because, to her, he doesn't look like a romantic leading man. On a train from New York to San Francisco, Blaine sets out to prove Myra wrong...by romancing her. Is he sincere, or does he have a dark ulterior motive?
Critical Consensus
7.5
IMDb
7.2
TMDB
Critics generally received Sudden Fear favorably, commending Joan Crawford's performance, David Miller's stylish direction, and the cinematography. While some noted minor plot issues or its genre-bending nature, it was widely regarded as a compelling and well-crafted film noir.
The Cast
Trivia
The 1952 American film noir thriller Sudden Fear starred Joan Crawford and Jack Palance.
Sudden Fear was directed by David Miller.
The screenplay for Sudden Fear was written by Lenore J. Coffee and Robert Smith.
The film Sudden Fear was based upon the novel of the same name by Edna Sherry.
Reviews
0 reviews
Avg: 0.0 / 5
Critics
NJ
New York Herald Tribune (Otis L. Guernsey Jr.)
Wrote a positive review, noting the scenario was designed to allow Miss Crawford a wide range of emotional reactions, asserting her suitability for the role.
VA
Village Voice (Melissa Anderson)
Observed that the film "fits into and defies different genres," highlighting its convention-scrambling nature by looking both forward and back.
DS
Dennis Schwartz
Liked the film, praising David Miller's stylish direction, Joan Crawford's performance, and Charles B. Lang Jr.'s photography, but questioned some plot points.
SS
Spencer Selby
In 1984, the film noir historian described it as "undoubtedly one of the most stylish and refined woman-in-distress noirs."
Audience
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Tags
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