Watch Strange Impersonation

Strange Impersonation is a fascinating film noir from 1946 that is often overlooked in the genre. The movie follows the story of Nora Goodrich (Brenda Marshall), a successful scientist who is working on developing a new form of anesthesia that will revolutionize the medical world. Nora's fiancee, Dr. Stephen Lindstrom (William Gargan), works with her and is the driving force behind her work.

However, things take a dark turn when Nora is viciously attacked by a former colleague who is jealous of her success. The attack leaves Nora scarred both physically and emotionally, and she begins to question her own sanity.

As Nora struggles to recover from the attack, she becomes obsessed with the idea of changing her appearance and assuming a new identity. She believes that this will not only protect her from further harm but also allow her to start over fresh and build a new life for herself.

Nora's transformation is remarkable, and she emerges as a new woman, a testament to the power of the human will. However, as she begins to build her new life, Nora finds that her old past is not so easily left behind. She is haunted by memories of the attack and the people who betrayed her, and she realizes that she must confront her demons before they consume her.

The film is an excellent study of the human psyche, exploring the depths of human emotions and the lengths we will go to protect ourselves from harm. Brenda Marshall delivers a fantastic performance as Nora, perfectly capturing the character's fear, uncertainty, and determination.

William Gargan is equally impressive as Dr. Lindstrom, playing the role with a quiet confidence that serves as a perfect foil to Nora's more volatile character. Hillary Brooke also shines in her role as Arline, Nora's conniving former friend, who is at the center of much of the film's intrigue.

The film's direction by Anthony Mann is excellent, with a moody, atmospheric style that perfectly captures the film's noir sensibilities. The tension builds throughout the film, and the climax is intense and gripping, leaving the viewer on the edge of their seat.

Overall, Strange Impersonation is a forgotten gem of the film noir genre, deserving of more recognition than it has received. The film's exploration of the human psyche, fantastic performances, and atmospheric direction combine to create an unforgettable viewing experience.