Watch A Kiss Before Dying

A Kiss Before Dying is a thrilling crime drama film from 1956 starring Robert Wagner, Jeffrey Hunter and Virginia Leith. Directed by Gerd Oswald, the film tells the story of a young man named Bud Corliss (Robert Wagner) who is a charming but manipulative psychopath. Bud is a college student who is dating the beautiful and wealthy Dorothy Kingship (Joanne Woodward), who is deeply in love with him. However, Bud's true intentions are revealed when he discovers that Dorothy is pregnant, which would ruin his chances of inheriting her family's fortune. Determined to keep his plans on track, Bud coldly murders Dorothy and stages it to look like a suicide.

But Bud's actions don't go unnoticed. Dorothy's younger sister Ellen (Virginia Leith) becomes suspicious of the circumstances surrounding her sister's death and begins investigating. Meanwhile, Bud begins a relationship with Ellen and the two become engaged, with Bud aiming to inherit the Kingship family fortune once again. However, Ellen's suspicions continue to grow and she becomes increasingly determined to uncover the truth about what really happened to her sister.

As the film progresses, tensions build and the truth begins to unravel, leading to a dramatic and suspenseful conclusion.

One of the most impressive aspects of the film is Robert Wagner's performance as Bud Corliss. He perfectly captures the manipulative and charming personality of the cold-blooded killer, making him both terrifying and fascinating to watch. Jeffrey Hunter is also impressive as Bud's rival for the Kingship family fortune, adding an extra layer of complexity to the storyline.

The film's direction and cinematography are also noteworthy, with Gerd Oswald effectively creating a dark and foreboding atmosphere that perfectly fits the themes of the story. The use of shadow and light is especially impressive, adding to the overall feeling of suspense and unease.

Overall, A Kiss Before Dying is a gripping and suspenseful crime drama that remains a classic of the genre. With its strong performances, excellent direction, and compelling storyline, it is a film that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it.

A Kiss Before Dying is a 1956 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.