Dead Ringer (1964)

Why so much hype?

Don't Believe the Hype

Yo, there's no way for me to review this film without saying, take your *insert ethnicity + "ass" here* to see this film,like now. You have to see it in order to know what you're really messing with.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Bette Davis is the whole show in this film that again recycles the "evil twin" plot. Two sisters, Margaret (rich, widowed, and condescending), and Edie (poor and slovenly) begin to talk again after years of estrangement. Because of a simmering grudge over Margaret's late husband, Edie kills Margaret and assumes her identity and lavish lifestyle. Margaret's boyfriend Tony (Peter Lawford) soon figures out the switch, tries blackmail, and is mauled to death by Margaret's huge dog. Karl Malden plays Edie's police detective boyfriend, and although he's good, Malden just looks confused all the time. Since no one could get away with crime in a 1964 movie, Edie is sentenced to death as Margaret for poisoning her husband!The movie moves along swiftly, aided by such old pros as Jean Hagen, Ken Lynch, and George Macready. There's a strange subplot about religion that really doesn't add very much to the plot. However, watching Peter Lawford wrestling with a stuffed dog head is worth the price of admission. There's also very good direction by Davis' old costar Paul Henreid. It's no classic, but this is wonderful for fans of Davis, who easily steals the show.

This is movie of a type they don't make any more- regrettably. It goes way beyond melodrama and has a plot with twists and turns that is way beyond most movies nowadays. The script is clever as opposed to contrived and keeps the tension up right up till the end. Undeniably this movie is a star vehicle for Bette Davis who carries off the dual roles of two sisters with amazing ease and aplomb. The supporting actors - Karl Malden & Peter Lawford are similarly excellent. Made at a time when special effects were still pretty rudimentary- it is all the more "clever" for the seamless way in which some scenes are covered. Fans of other Davis's films of the 60's that reached into the bizarre, horror genres - this one stands with the best of them. I highly recommend it.

If you buy Bette Davis as a bar owner in love with Karl Malden, then you might find this claptrap enjoyable. Otherwise, be warned, this is really a very un-stylish camp horror film clearly made to cash in on Davis' post Baby Jane rebirth.Davis plays twins (one is rich, one is the aforementioned bar owner). One of them kills the other and takes her place. The dead sister's sleazy gigolo boyfriend (the ideally cast Peter Lawford) suspects something right away and sees dollar signs. In addition to Lawford, the supporting cast includes Jean Hagen and a kooky Estelle Winwood. Davis is Davis, Malden is stern and capable. The movie, however is sunk by the dull direction of actor Paul Henreid.

Bette Davis here excels in "Grand Guignol" version of melodrama.She looks intimidating and beautiful, has several lovers, and a life of deception. This is a must not miss film, which I watched with my mother as a child.Ms. Davis plays Edie, the understated down at heel bar owner who is in love with modest detective Karl Malden. She is tired of her life, and after owing a great deal of money, attempts to reconcile with her wealthy sister, Mrs. DeLorca.Mrs. DeLorca (also Davis) is an opportunist. Not happy, but wealthy. Somehow a change of identity occurs, and Edie ends up dead.Beautiful cinematography as Edie's sister in her Beverly Hills Mansion. Duke, the Great Dane ( great dog) adds a nice nuance to the story. There are also some amusing scenes with Peter Lawford as an ex-lover, now discarded.All in all this is a superior film which you will want to watch more than twice. Highly recommended. 9/10.