Watch Repeat Performance

Repeat Performance is a 1947 film noir that tells the story of Sheila Page, a successful Broadway actress who finds herself reliving the last year of her life. The movie was directed by Alfred L. Werker and stars Louis Hayward, Joan Leslie, and Virginia Field. The film opens with Sheila Page (Joan Leslie) standing on top of a skyscraper on New Year's Eve contemplating suicide. As she looks down at the crowd below, she reflects on the events of the past year that led her to this moment. It is then that she wishes for a second chance to correct the mistakes she has made. The story then flashes back to the previous New Year's Eve, where Sheila and her husband Barney (Louis Hayward) are hosting a party at their luxurious penthouse apartment in Manhattan. The party is attended by their friends, including composer William Williams (Richard Basehart) and his girlfriend Paula Costello (Virginia Field). As the night progresses, tensions rise between Sheila and Barney, and she accuses him of infidelity. In a fit of rage, Sheila shoots Barney and flees the scene. She runs into an old flame, tennis player Mark Kendrick (Tom Conway), who helps her escape the police. The rest of the movie follows Sheila as she tries to piece together what happened that night and how she can prevent it from happening again. She seeks the advice of a psychic, Madame Della (Natalie Schafer), who is able to transport her back in time to the previous New Year's Eve. Sheila is given a chance to relive the year and make amends, but will she be able to change the past and save her husband's life? The film is notable for its use of flashbacks and dream sequences, which serve to further blur the line between reality and fantasy. The story is also told from the perspective of Sheila, who is an unreliable narrator due to her distorted memories and emotional state. As Sheila relives the year, she begins to realize the mistakes she has made and the toll they have taken on her relationships. She reconnects with her estranged sister and tries to repair her marriage with Barney. But she also discovers that changing the past is not as easy as she thought it would be. The performances in the film are top-notch, especially those of Joan Leslie and Louis Hayward. Leslie perfectly captures the desperation and guilt of Sheila, while Hayward delivers a subtle and nuanced performance as the beleaguered Barney. Virginia Field also shines as Paula, displaying both vulnerability and cunning. The movie's art direction is also noteworthy. The set design of the penthouse apartment is lavish and opulent, reflecting the glamorous lifestyle of its inhabitants. The cinematography is stunning, particularly in the dream sequences, which are filled with surreal and haunting images. Overall, Repeat Performance is a compelling and thought-provoking film that explores the themes of regret, redemption, and the consequences of our actions. Its innovative storytelling and strong performances make it a must-see for fans of film noir and psychological thrillers.