Sudden Fear

Some noir "classics" had inauspicious releases, receving a lukewarm response from critics and audiences, only to be appreciated later. Others were acclaimed at the time. This is one.

Sudden Fear (1952) is anchored on a familiar noir plot: two lovers have a whirlwind romance and marriage; for one it is love at first sight, for the other it is manipulation at first sight. Successful playwright (Joan Crawford) overhears new husband (Jack Palance) plot with his secret lover (Gloria Grahame) to murder the wealthy writer for her inheritance. Shattered by the revelation, she gathers her wits and hatches a revenge scheme.

The casting is impressive. Gloria Graham was well on her way to becoming a celebrated noir femme fatal. Crawford was an established star. Palance is recognized today as a great actor. But at the time Sudden Fear was made, he had never been cast in a leading role. His first major film was the 1950 noir Panic in the Streets where he played villainous killer Blackie who unwittily carries a deadly plague. Crawford rejected him for Sudden Fear. Director David Miller made her sit through three screenings of Panic in the Streets before she relented. The young actor had an undeniable screen charisma, but he appeared rough-hewn. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and Crawford did not behold Palance as handsome and polished enough to be the man she falls head-over-heels for. Whatever the conflicts, professionalism prevailed and cinematic magic bloomed. Crawford was nominated for Best Actress, Palance for Best Supporting Actor. There were two Oscars: Black-and-White Cinematography and Black-and-White Costume Design.