Shadow on the Wall

A young girl(Gigi Perreau) becomes traumatized after she witnesses the accidental killing of her stepmother(Kristine Miller). Well-acted film noir showcases the dramatic talents of the exceptionally gifted actress Ann Sothern, who was known primarily for her 'light' roles in films like MAISIE. The film also features an early appearance by Barbara Billingsey, better known as June Cleaver on the popular '50's sitcom LEAVE IT TO BEAVER.

This was a pretty decent movie. Nancy Davis (Reagan) was solid

as the psychiatrist trying to help little Susan (Gigi Perreau in a very

good performance) remember a horrible event which she had

witnessed. Zachary Scott, one of my favorites, proved real men can

handle supporting roles with as much flair as the more substantial

roles. And imaginative casting with Ann Southern as the baddie --

she handled it well without going over the top (as some

comedians are tempted to do with dramatic roles). Script could

have used a little more meat and the ending could have been a bit

more imaginative, but, all in all, not a waste of ninety minutes of

your time.

Unheralded little thriller with a number of nice touches. Little Gigi Perreau (Susan) has the pivotal role and comes through beautifully. If we don't identify with her or her emotional trauma, the movie doesn't work. Fortunately, we do. The movie scared the heck out of me as a boy, mainly because I was viewing the menace through the eyes of my peer, little Susan. Still, it's the movie's ability to engage even adults through Susan's eyes that drives the suspense. For the little girl, it's an adult world only dimly comprehended that one night turns so shockingly ugly, she must repress it totally. Nancy Davis Reagan-- perhaps surprisingly for many viewers-- is very persuasive as the doctor helping Susan to recover.

Looks like this was another B-movie from MGM's Dore Schary period when he was refashioning the studio's star-studded image. The under-rated Scott and Sothern are certainly playing against type, he as a kind-hearted father, she as a cold-hearted murderess. Oddly, the screenplay shares focus among these four players instead of centralizing one or two as is usually the case. In terms of actual screen time, it's probably Nancy Davis's movie, though she was likely too unknown to get star billing. Then too, whatever happened to Kristine Miller as Scott's faithless wife. She certainly looks the part and acts it wickedly.

Speaking of talented unknowns, director Pat Jackson put this neat little package together. His career appears a rather brief one, mainly in England, where he also directed several episodes of the cult TV series, The Prisoner. Too bad he disappeared so quickly, because there are a number of nice directorial touches here. Note Pike's (John McIntire) shadow engulfing Dell (Sothern) at movie's end indicating the retribution to come; the blurry special effects mirroring little Susan's traumatized mental state; the suggestive hair-drier closing over Dell's head like an electrocution helmet; the great noirish shot of Dell framed against ominous skyscrapers suggesting dark powers looming over Susan. Anyway, this all adds up to a very effective little thriller, proving that even though late to the party, MGM could B- movie with the best of them.

This is a very good B movie done in the noir style. Ray June was the cinematographer, and his deep focus work makes the film worth seeing all by itself. Note particularly the bedroom scene where everything is doubled. Zachary Scott, for a change, plays the typically confused noir male, and Ann Sothern, showing the force of period style, switches from Maisie to a somewhat tormented femme fatale. Enjoy!

During the opening theme, the music starts out happy go lucky, and suddenly turns heavy and dark. This indicates that all is not well.... Zachary Scott (best known for Mildred Pierce) is David, who has a little daughter from his first wife. of course, the daughter Susan doesn't like new mom, Celia, played by Kristine Miller. to add intrigue, Celia has a man on the side. and David knows. and lets everyone know that HE knows. then things really go south! Ann Sothern is Celia's sister "Dell". Nancy (davis) Reagan is in here as Doctor Canford. She's treating Susan, who may or may not have witnessed a terrible event. Some psychiatrist therapy and discussions, as we try to unlock what really happened. pretty good stuff. the music is great. mostly good acting and story. Directed by Brit Pat Jackson. didn't win any oscars, but seems to have had a pretty successful career in hollywood before returning to England.