The Strange Love Of Martha Ivers Reviews

Underrated Film Noir

Decided to give this a go as I'm a huge fan of the noir films of the 40's and 50's.

Hadn't really heard of it before, but having seen it, I would recommend it to fans of the genre.

Kirk Douglas (in a minor role be warned) is very good as the alcoholic husband of Barbara Stanwyck (Martha Ivers), who have known each other from childhood.

Her real childhood sweetheart (Van Heflin) who was Stanwyck's nemesis and whom she had once tried to elope with returns to the small town, where thanks to her aunt Martha has become a multimillionaress.

Great dramatic piece with tension, intrigue and terrific performances from all the main leads.

Small town passion

The film is mostly known for featuring the first film role for Kirk Douglas as a weak, alcoholic lawyer.The film also features other noir stereotypes: the tough drifter (Heflin), the good-bad girl (Scott) and the femme-fatale (Stanwyck). Although some aspects of the plot are absurd, the film strongly makes the point that the rich and corrupt are in control of society.

Go ahead and hit me.

A gripping psychological melodrama with a wonderful Barbra Stanwyck performance as the devilish and sultry heiress whose past returns to haunt her. Her stand here in the title role is as magnetic and ambiguous as Phyllis Dietrichson in Double Indemnity and this film deserves similar status. It's a perverse picture, thick with guilt, paranoia and fear and skillfully directed by Lewis Milestone, A steamy, noirish thriller which satisifies right until the end.

fantastic little known noir film

if ever there was a film due for a remake this is it. wonderful story and cast. highly recommened.

Good noir movie, with great acting and dialogue

Noir movie from the immediate post-war period. An already-great star, Barbara Stanwyck, is joined by fast-rising stars Van Heflin and Kirk Douglas. They are all excellent, as is Lizabeth Scott, a Lauren Bacall lookalike and talkalike, a very underrated actress, who puts in a great performance. The story is one of murder, deceit, lies, double-dealing, manipulation, twisted love - in fact all of the ingredients of the classic noir! Fans of movies from that era will love it. It is tense, dramatic, and at times melodramatic, and has great acting and dialogue. Unlike many noir films, it has a satisfactory ending, when justice is finally seen to be done.

[Highly rated reviewer]

On a dark and a stormy night..

Martha Ivers, bullied by her wicked aunt, takes action to change her life. This is a very dark film, though you could call it a romance, too.

Kirk Douglas is in one of his earliest roles as Walter, alcoholic lawyer, married to the said Martha, and it's hard to believe that he hasn't had years of film experience behind him.

Barbara Stanwyck overacts a bit in the role of Martha, but maybe the film needs a touch of melodrama.

The whole atmosphere of small town America comes over very well from this film, it's an oldie but goodie.

Strangelove

Why isn't this film better known? Why isn't Lizabeth Scott a huge star? Why isn't life fair? Eveyone in this film is living on the edge and yet they all have a chance to show human warmth. One of my favourites.

strange noir.........

interesting if you are a fan of the noir genre.