The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946)

My Review

Classic film noir drama is on full display in “The Strange Love of Martha Ivers.” Barbara Stanwyck plays the title role to the hilt as a wealthy young woman who accidentally kills her aunt and is blackmailed for years over the incident. Director Lewis Milestone (“All Quiet on the Western Front” 1930) pulled out all the stops in piecing together this melodramatic thriller. The excellent screenplay was written by Robert Rossen, adapted from the story “Love Lies Bleeding” by John Patrick.

The cast includes Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin, Lizabeth Scott, Judith Anderson, Darryl Hickman, Roman Bohnenc, Ann Doran, Mickey Kuhn, and Kirk Douglas in his film debut. His career would continue until 2008, when his last movie would be “Empire State Building Murders.” “The Strange Love of Martha Ivers” was a success in theatrical release for producer Hal B. Wallis and Paramount Pictures. It received one Oscar nod for Best Original Story (Patrick).