#1020: STAHL, John M.: Leave Her To Heaven (1945)

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STAHL, John M. (United States)
Leave Her To Heaven [1945]
Spine #1020
Blu-ray


Novelist Richard Harland (Cornel Wilde) seems to have found the perfect woman in Ellen (Gene Tierney), a beautiful socialite who initiates a whirlwind romance and steers him into marriage before he can think twice. Yet the glassy surface of Ellen's devotion soon reveals monstrous depths, as Richard comes to realize that his wife is shockingly possessive and may be capable of destroying anyone who comes between them. A singular Hollywood masterpiece that draws freely from the women's picture and film noir alike, Leave Her to Heaven boasts elegant direction by melodrama specialist John M. Stahl, blazing Technicolor cinematography by Leon Shamroy, and a chilling performance by Tierney, whose Ellen is a femme fatale unlike any other — a woman whose love is as pure as it is poisonous.

113 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
1:37:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2020
Director/Writers


Based on the novel by Ben Ames Williams.
Screenplay by Jo Swerling.
John M. Stahl was 56 when he directed Leave Her to Heaven.

Other Stahl films in the Collection:

#1167: Imitation of Life (1934)

The Film

a

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

 The Booklet

Twelve-page wraparound featuring an essay by novelist Megan Abbott.

Commentary

None.

Interview

With critic Imogen Sara Smith.

Trailer
Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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