Watch Loretta Young In Cause For Alarm! - A Restored Film Noir Classic
- 1951
- 1 hr 13 min
Loretta Young In Cause For Alarm! is a film noir classic that was originally released in 1951. The film stars Loretta Young as Ellen Jones, a housewife living a seemingly idyllic life with her husband George (played by Barry Sullivan) in a small town in California. The film opens with Ellen receiving a letter that she believes is a death threat against her husband. She worries that George is in danger because of his work as a chemical engineer, but he assures her that everything is fine. However, Ellen cannot shake the feeling that something is wrong, and her anxiety grows when George suddenly falls ill and is hospitalized.
As George's condition worsens, Ellen becomes increasingly convinced that he has been poisoned. However, no one believes her, not even the police, who think she is being paranoid. Ellen must take matters into her own hands and conduct her own investigation to try to uncover the truth about what happened to George.
The tension in the film builds slowly and steadily, as Ellen's desperation and fear grow. Loretta Young's performance as Ellen is exceptional, as she conveys both her character's vulnerability and her fierce determination to protect her husband.
Barry Sullivan also delivers a strong performance as George, portraying him as a calm and loving husband who becomes increasingly frustrated with his wife's paranoia.
The cinematography in the film is notable for its use of dark shadows and stark contrasts, which add to the film's overall atmosphere of dread and uncertainty.
One of the most impressive aspects of Loretta Young In Cause For Alarm! is the way it explores the theme of gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation where one person tries to make another person doubt their own perceptions and sanity. Ellen's struggle to be taken seriously by those around her is a powerful commentary on the ways in which women's voices and experiences can be dismissed in a patriarchal society.
The film's ending is satisfying but also sobering, as Ellen realizes that the truth she has uncovered may come at a high cost.
Overall, Loretta Young In Cause For Alarm! is a gripping and thought-provoking film noir classic that showcases Loretta Young and Barry Sullivan at their best. The film's tension, atmosphere, and commentary on gaslighting make it a must-see for fans of the genre.