Watch Lady in a Cage

Lady in a Cage is an intense and gripping film that was released in 1964. It stars the legendary Olivia de Havilland, James Caan and Jennifer Billingsley. The film tells the story of a wealthy and frail widow named Cornelia Hilyard (de Havilland), who becomes trapped in her home elevator during a power outage. As she struggles to escape, she soon realizes that the elevator has become a prison cell and she is at the mercy of a gang of delinquents who have broken into her home.

The film is a tense and claustrophobic experience, as Hilyard is trapped in the lift for the majority of the movie. Her frailty and helplessness are portrayed brilliantly by de Havilland, who delivers an outstanding performance as a woman slowly losing her grip on reality. The young James Caan is also excellent as the menacing gang leader, who torments Hilyard and her son (played by Jeff Corey) throughout the film.

Throughout the movie, the tension continues to build as the delinquent gang wreaks havoc in Hilyard's home. They drink, take drugs, and destroy everything in their path, while Hilyard is unable to escape the confines of the elevator. The film serves as a commentary on the state of society at the time, where we see the younger generation rebelling against the old-fashioned morals and values that were held in high esteem.

Despite the film's dark and disturbing subject matter, Lady in a Cage has become a cult classic over the years. It features some truly iconic scenes, including one where a young boy stops a passing policeman, only to be ignored as the officer drives away. It's a harrowing reminder that even in the midst of lawlessness and violence, those in authority are often powerless to help those in need.

One of the standout aspects of Lady in a Cage is the cinematography. Director Walter Grauman and cinematographer Lee Garmes created a stunning film that is both beautiful and frightening. The use of close-ups during Hilyard's claustrophobic struggle in the elevator is particularly effective, as we see her desperation and terror up close.

The movie's themes are as relevant today as they were in 1964. The film touches on issues such as class, privilege, and the breakdown of societal values. It's a disturbing and uncomfortable watch at times, but it's also an essential one. Lady in a Cage holds a mirror to society's darkest impulses, and it's one that we ignore at our peril.

In conclusion, Lady in a Cage is a gripping and intense film that takes the viewer on a harrowing journey. It features fantastic performances from its cast, stunning cinematography, and a story that is as relevant today as it was in 1964. It's a film that is not for the faint of heart, but it's definitely one that deserves to be seen.

Lady in a Cage is a 1964 drama 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.