Woman Possessed

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A Woman Possessed
"A Woman Possessed" (1959).jpg
Directed by Max Varnel
Written by
Produced by
Starring
Cinematography James Wilson (as Jimmy Wilson)
Edited by Maurice Rootes
Music by
Production
company
Distributed by United Artists Corporation (UK)
Release date
  • August 1958 (1958-08)(UK)
Running time
68 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

A Woman Possessed is a low budget 1958 British second feature ('B') [1] drama film directed by Max Varnel and starring Margaretta Scott, Francis Matthews, and Kay Callard. [2] It was written by Brian Clemens and Eldon Howard and produced by The Danzigers.

Contents

Plot

John Winthrop, an English doctor, returns from a trip to America with his new fiancee, Ann. He is met with disapproval from his wealthy, domineering mother, Katherine, who is vocal in her dislike of Ann. On discovering Ann has a heart condition, Katherine insists the couple move in with her. One day the mother accidentally gives her daughter-in-law the wrong medication and Ann nearly dies. The doctor saves his wife, but then accuses his mother of attempted murder. In the end, it turns out Emma the maid was responsible for accidentally switching the pills, and with the crisis over, mother, son and daughter-in-law realise they must settle the differences between them.

Cast

Critical reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Within its modest limits this film is crisply directed, well acted by the three main players, and intelligently presented. The family tensions and conflicts of loyalty are effectively suggested and the casebook situation is made to reveal character with some skill. The switch of blame from Katherine to Emma jars, however, and the optimistic ending shirks the implications of the story." [3]

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "average", writing: "Well-acted, but not-too-interesting drama." [4]

TV Guide comments that "despite some good performances from the cast, this isn't a very engaging drama." [5]

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References

  1. ↑ Chibnall, Steve; McFarlane, Brian (2009). The British 'B' Film. London: BFI/Bloomsbury. p. 93. ISBN   978-1-8445-7319-6.
  2. ↑ "Woman Possessed". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  3. ↑ "Woman Possessed". The Monthly Film Bulletin . 25 (288): 132. 1 January 1958 – via ProQuest.
  4. ↑ Quinlan, David (1984). British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959. London: B.T. Batsford Ltd. p. 401. ISBN   0-7134-1874-5.
  5. ↑ "A Woman Possessed". TVGuide.com.


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