Weird Woman

One of the better films in Universal's INNER SANCTUM series of mysteries to star Lon Chaney, and based on the novel CONJURE WIFE. As a suave and calculated writer of a recent book about dispelling false superstitions, Lon is married to a lovely young girl named Paula (the adorable Anne Gwynne) whom he first met at a voodoo ritual on an island some years ago and who is still interested in the occult, magic, and strange rituals. When all sorts of odd occurrences and deaths transpire, the blame is laid at the feet of the "witchy" Paula, much to her husband's chagrin.

This installment benefits from a good cast. Anne Gwynne has always received my vote for the most attractive of the '40s Universal babes, and Evelyn Ankers (THE WOLF MAN, THE GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN) is a close second and earns extra points in this one for portraying a baddie this time around, much against type. Elizabeth Russell turns in a strong and compelling performance. Director Reginald LeBorg makes good use of dark, windy nights and eerie atmosphere to nice effect. The subject was tackled again later for the 1962 British film BURN WITCH BURN. *** out of ****