The Search For Bridey Murphy

Watch The Search For Bridey Murphy

  • Approved
  • 1956
  • 1 hr 24 min
  • 6.0  (211)

The Search For Bridey Murphy is a gripping psychological drama that delves deep into the concept of reincarnation. The movie stars Teresa Wright as Ruth Simmons, a housewife who becomes fascinated with hypnosis and past life regression after attending a lecture on the subject. As Ruth takes a journey into her past lives, she uncovers startling revelations about her own existence and the concept of life and death. The film is directed by Noel Langley and is based on the novel The Search For Bridey Murphy by Morey Bernstein.

The Search For Bridey Murphy begins with the character of Ruth Simmons attending a lecture on hypnosis and past life regression. Intrigued by the topic, she begins to read books on the subject and even attempts to hypnotize herself. Her husband, played by Louis Hayward, is skeptical of her newfound interest and tries to discourage her from pursuing it. However, Ruth is determined to explore her past lives and undergoes hypnosis with a local doctor.

Under hypnosis, Ruth finds herself transported back in time to Ireland in the early 1800s, where she believes she was a woman named Bridey Murphy. She recounts her memories of growing up in a small Irish village, falling in love with a man named Sean, and ultimately dying of tuberculosis. Ruth's hypnotic sessions reveal more about Bridey's life in Ireland, including her family history and even the songs that she sang.

As Ruth becomes more consumed with her past life as Bridey Murphy, she starts to experience strange physical sensations, such as a persistent cough and a fear of closed spaces. She also develops a fear of crosses, which she attributes to the fact that she was burned for being a witch during the Salem Witch Trials in a previous life. Despite her husband's growing concern, Ruth continues to explore her past lives in hypnosis.

The Search For Bridey Murphy is a fascinating exploration of the concept of reincarnation, and the film raises interesting questions about the nature of identity, memory, and consciousness. The character of Ruth Simmons undergoes a dramatic transformation throughout the movie, as she becomes more and more convinced that she was indeed Bridey Murphy in a past life. Her experiences under hypnosis lead her to question her own sense of self, as well as her relationships with those around her.

Teresa Wright delivers a powerful performance as Ruth Simmons/Bridey Murphy, capturing the character's vulnerability, curiosity, and fierce determination. Louis Hayward is similarly impressive as Ruth's skeptical husband, who struggles to understand her fascination with past life regression. Nancy Gates delivers a strong supporting performance as Ruth's friend, who is also intrigued by hypnosis and even undergoes her own hypnotic regression.

The Search For Bridey Murphy is a thought-provoking film that will appeal to anyone with an interest in the paranormal or the mysteries of the human mind. While the movie was controversial upon its initial release, due to its exploration of reincarnation and its links to the spiritualism movement of the early 20th century, it has since become a cult classic and a beloved favorite of fans of psychological dramas.

In conclusion, The Search For Bridey Murphy is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the concept of reincarnation, and a powerful examination of the human psyche. With strong performances by its lead actors, tight direction by Noel Langley, and a gripping, suspenseful plot, the movie remains an enduring classic of the genre. Whether you are a believer in past lives, or simply a curious viewer, The Search For Bridey Murphy is a must-watch film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

The Search For Bridey Murphy
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Description
  • Release Date
    1956
  • MPAA Rating
    Approved
  • Runtime
    1 hr 24 min
  • IMDB Rating
    6.0  (211)
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