MovieChat Forums > Sudden Fear (1952) Discussion > One of the greatest suspense films ever

One of the greatest suspense films ever

posted 19 years ago by ekentb
20 replies | jump to latest

I watched this film last night, and I must say, it is one of the better films that I have seen in a long time. It is EXTREMELY suspenseful, and the performances are first rate. This movie is proof that Joan Crawford was indeed a fine actress, as well as a star. There are several scenes that I literally jumped while watching...I HIGHLY recommend this film. The DVD transfer isn't the best in the world, but believe me, if you find it, check it out. You will not be disappointed.

No, no..."cruelty." I always think that has a nobler ring to it.

[–] richswope 18 years ago

Hi--I watched this again on vhs the other day, and it is probably one of the last of the film noirs of the early 50s. I wanted to look at Gloria Grahame's performance. She had a great year with "Greatest Show on Earth" and her Oscar-winning role in "The Bad and the Beautiful". She was an intriguing performer, especially in her wacky part in "Oklahoma" and "The Big Heat".

There's no doubt about it, Joan was the STAR, and she knew it. Very entertaining.

[–] AAA7353-1 18 years ago

HI,

My mom loves this film and I want to either rent or buy it. Where did you get your copies? VHS or DVD would be fine. Thanks, Angela

[–] BlueLeaves 18 years ago

You can rent this film through netflix and it is also on sale on DVD. If your mom owns a DVD player this would be a great gift for her.

"We must go, darling, we have the Bishop for lunch..."
"I hope he's tender."

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] smrhyne-1 16 years ago

I got the DVD from Netflix. The other night I was watching a documentary about Joan Crawford and I realized that it was one of the few Joan movies that I haven't seen. I loved it! I was biting my nails by the time the movie ended. Joan and Jack Palance both gave outstanding performances.

[–] Harold_Robbins 16 years ago

Just watched this again after not seeing it for many years - an excellent suspense thriller - Crawford does a super job, as does Palance - both are terrific in scenes which often have little or no dialog.

"Stone-cold sober I find myself absolutely fascinating!"---Katharine Hepburn

[–] WarpedRecord 16 years ago

I like the fact that they rely on silence as much as dialogue in many scenes. It builds tremendous tension. And the musical score was subdued when appropriate. Can you imagine how they'd clobber you over the head if they remade this film? Not that I want them to ...

[–] Devans00 15 years ago

Wash your mouth, WarpedRecord! They better not try to remake this.

The great thing about film noir is the subtlety. Most American films these days can't get the same level as the old days. You know they'd up the graphic sex and gore, without improving the movie.

No two persons ever watch the same movie.

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] OhmsLaw 13 years ago

I got it from there also, after reading a bio on Joan a few months back and realizing I had never seen this one either, and the write up about it in that book sounded like it was a very good movie - and it was! Much was said about the scenes with no dialogue that Joan does, which are highly suspenseful. It should be noted that the recording device plays a key role and the scene with it is something else.

[–] jmars35264 12 years ago

I agree and Gloria Graham was one the sexiest film actors of the 50's. She was hot.

[–] rditewig801 9 years ago

Gloria Grahame was at her best when she played "tarts" and "loose women".

[–] GoddamUnvoicedAbbot 13 years ago

I agree. Extremely suspenseful. I'd really love to see more films like this.

Antiparanoia is the eerie feeling that nothing is connected to anything else

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] xnet95 11 years ago

I totally disagree. I think these people were trying to be suspenseful, but failed miserably. Most Mission Impossible episodes had a lot more suspense than this laugher.

[–] MrEdnablackadder 10 years ago

It's an excellent noir. Wonderfully acted and shot, very original and unpredictable, involving, disturbing, dark, scary. The complete package. I find the first half a bit weaker than the second, but the tension and adrenaline of the final act total make up for it.

[–] emmanuelandme 7 years ago

Frankenstein I think you need a new brain operation!!!!

[–] Moon_and_New_York_City 10 years ago

Got this at the PUBLIC LIBRARY, highly recommended place to search for those hard to find titles - gave it a solid seven stars of entertainment. Very suspenseful with an outstanding CRAWFORD performance. However, third act was way too long. Film could have easily been cut 30 minutes without missing a beat.

Even so - a must see for all true film buffs.

"the best that you can do is fall in love"

[–] ecbpdx (20) 2 years ago

It’s available on Kanopy, if your library has that online movie service.
Great movie that reminds me of Vertigo with the San Francisco scenes.

[–] rditewig801 9 years ago

Yes, one of the great "noirs". Filmed right here in San Francisco -- Green and
Scott St.; 1201 Greenwich (and Hyde); Legion of Honor art gallery (organ recital).