The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946)

The Worst Film Ever

Captivating movie !

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

This movie has a fine cast of 1940's stars but failed to live up to the great film noirs of that decade. With Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin, Lizabeth Scott and Kirk Douglas (in his first movie role) I expected a more powerful film. The stock script writing, and the lack of any real drama in this formula movie left me totally disappointed. Lizabeth Scott seemed to be the real presence on the screen and I relished every scene where she appeared. She did remind me of Lauren Bacall with her husky voice and tall stature. I also liked Judith Anderson, as the first Mrs. Ivers, who had a short but key role. Kirk Douglas, as the alcoholic political stand-in for his wife, delivered a strong performance in his first movie. As for the movie itself, it fell far short of other great film noir movies, Double Indemnity, The Postman Always Rings Twice, The Third Man and Key Largo. As with others of this genre, it did not have winners or losers, only victims and survivors.

Despite its length (115 minutes), "The Strange Love Of Martha Ivers" is absorbing all the way. It's a film noir that occasionally crosses over into psychological drama. It develops the characters, who are never mere "types"; they are complex, conflicted, unsure of what they want, and of what the other characters want. The cast is exceptional; even Janis Wilson as the young Stanwyck is an inspired choice. Judith Anderson makes a strong impression in just one scene, and it's hard to believe this was the first time Kirk Douglas appeared in front of the camera. I do get the feeling that the ending might have been different if the film was made about 15 years later, when the Production Code which demanded that sinners should ultimately pay for their sins was beginning to loosen up. *** out of 4.

It's 1928 Iverstown, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Ivers runs the town and dominates her niece Martha Ivers. She tries to run off with Sam Masterson from the poor side of town but is betrayed by friend Walter O'Neil. Sam comes back to see Martha. Her aunt starts beating her cat and she hits her aunt sending her down the stairs to her death. Martha lies and Walter backs up her lie. They think Sam had witnessed it. He rides the circus train out of town. It's 1946. Martha (Barbara Stanwyck) is now married to district attorney Walter (Kirk Douglas). He's advancing in politics. She's the cold, ruthless owner of most of the town. He's haunted by the man hung for her aunt's death but she callously dismisses his fears. He's hopelessly in love with her but she does not reciprocate. Sam is now a drifter, gambler, and veteran. He has a car accident while passing through town and gets involved with Toni Marachek. She's thrown in jail for violating parole. He asks Walter for help but Walter wonders if he wants more.Screen legends Barbara Stanwyck and Kirk Douglas are together but Van Heflin and Lizabeth Scott are equal co-leads. This is Douglas' debut. Stanwyck comes in after thirty minutes. Their combination has an electricity. Van Heflin has a blander character actor look. Scott has an angular beauty that works well with old fashion noir. Their chemistry isn't quite as electric and their side of the story is less compelling. For fans of movie stars, this sparks whenever the legends get to play. I would have preferred less melodrama and more noir. Douglas is terrific with his twists and turns. His scenes are the best.

It's great to see this film again after years of no-see. I remembered it was a good film but watching it all these years later I have to say it's a great movie - one of the best films of the 1940s - nominated for an Oscar award but should have won the award.The story is well written and very suspenseful - as it unfolds, the more suspense it builds towards a fantastic ending which I will not ruin for first time viewers nor those who haven't seen this one in years and would like to again.Outstanding casting with brilliant performances. Great set designs and costuming (mainly the ladies). The directing and cinematography are top of the line as well. Why didn't this film win an Oscar? This is a highly recommended film for a reason - it's really fantastic.10/10