Review of Sudden Fear

Sudden Fear (1952)
7/10
As entertainment, Sudden Fear is quite good. But great cinema it isn't.
28 February 2001
The script of this film is excellent, with some delightful, ironic lines. With literate dialogue, the action is well-paced, a necessity for the tension that builds up after Joan Crawford discovers that her husband (Jack Palance) is up to murder-hers. Crawford is excellent in her portrayal of the terrified woman, although is seems a little melodramatic at times. The supporting cast is quite adequate.

However, believability is stretched in a few places, specifically the age difference between Crawford and Palance. From Crawford's pure terror of one night to a resolved woman the next morning is a little difficult to swallow. The transition is too quick.

I would rather the film had done more to create mood. It depends on effect , thus diminishing some of the possible depth.
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