Runtime: 75 minutes
Directed by: Charles Vidor
Starring: Evelyn Venable, Mary Morris, Anne Revere, Kent Taylor, Guy Standing
From: Paramount
Mary Morris belongs on the list of “best one movie careers.” She was a famed Broadway actress (not to be confused w/ the British actress) who reprised her role on the stage for the movie adaptation, and despite being asked by Paramount to continue a film career, she “wasn’t impressed” & stayed in the theater world. It’s a shame for cinema as she was tremendous as a deliciously evil old spinster of a rich woman who was acidly bitter that her younger half-brother was marrying a “common” nurse. Morris was at least 20 years younger than the despicable Victoria character.
The opening credits themselves are incredible; the face of Vickie appears in extreme close-up Victoria does not even attempt to hide her disgust over poor sap Rip’s nuptials w/ the charming Anne. The opening scenes are the couple marrying at the estate & not only did she needlessly snipe at her staff, Victoria also acts passive-aggressive in not giving Anne the family pearl necklace & stops the organ player from finishing The Wedding March. From there, the succubus from Hell escalates her behavior, including literally playing said organ to flout her villainous ways.
Victoria does dominate the film but that is key as the viewer learns how she’s able to manipulate & ultimately have everyone put up w/ her s*** despite her gaslighting and overwhelming personality. At times people have to act naïve to advance the plot but otherwise it was a fun trashy thriller where the titular double doors refer to a soundproof room. That detail is mentioned early on… wonder if it will become an important plot point later? While Morris impressed me the most, the rest of the main players (Evelyn Venable, Anne Revere, Kent Taylor) were all sufficient for their parts.
Those that love ‘30’s thrillers, thankfully this can easily be found on YouTube for those predisposed for such entertainment. The ending receives a <chef’s kiss> from me.
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