Back in 1940, an exceptional movie, "Murder in Thornton Square", was made in the UK. Just a few years later, Hollywood wanted to do a remake and did something unusual...they bought up every copy of the original picture that they could find in the hope that folks wouldn't realize that "Gaslight" was not an original picture. It worked, as "Gaslight" went on to win two academy awards, including one for Best Actress. I have seen both films and strongly recommend you do the same...since the original should also be considered a classic.
When the film begins, there's been a murder in a home on fashionable Thornton Square. The lady of the house was killed and her young niece, Paula (Ingrid Bergman) discovered the body. Years pass and Paula seems like a normal woman. She's met Gregory (Charles Boyer) and he romances her quite vigorously. They marry and he talks about wanting to move with her to London. Well, Paula owns the home where her aunt was killed and suggests they go there. The house holds some frightful memories...but she wants to make Gregory happy.
At first things seem ideal, but over time there is a change in Gregory. He no longer seems so thoughtful and kind but has become distance and sullen. He also begins insisting that Paula is stealing things and hiding them...though she has no recollection of any of this. Is she losing her mind? After all, she now seems emotionally fragile and weak. Or, is this all some elaborate plot to drive her out of her mind?
"Gaslight" is an exquisite film with an exciting script. Good enough to nearly earn a 10. But since it is a remake, it cannot in my eyes deserve a 10. Well worth seeing.
When the film begins, there's been a murder in a home on fashionable Thornton Square. The lady of the house was killed and her young niece, Paula (Ingrid Bergman) discovered the body. Years pass and Paula seems like a normal woman. She's met Gregory (Charles Boyer) and he romances her quite vigorously. They marry and he talks about wanting to move with her to London. Well, Paula owns the home where her aunt was killed and suggests they go there. The house holds some frightful memories...but she wants to make Gregory happy.
At first things seem ideal, but over time there is a change in Gregory. He no longer seems so thoughtful and kind but has become distance and sullen. He also begins insisting that Paula is stealing things and hiding them...though she has no recollection of any of this. Is she losing her mind? After all, she now seems emotionally fragile and weak. Or, is this all some elaborate plot to drive her out of her mind?
"Gaslight" is an exquisite film with an exciting script. Good enough to nearly earn a 10. But since it is a remake, it cannot in my eyes deserve a 10. Well worth seeing.