Watch The Bigamist

The Bigamist is a 1953 film noir drama directed by Ida Lupino, starring Joan Fontaine, Ida Lupino, and Edmund Gwenn. The film centers around a man named Harry Graham (played by Edmund Gwenn) who leads a double life - he has two wives, one in San Francisco (Eve, played by Joan Fontaine) and one in Los Angeles (Phyllis, played by Ida Lupino).

Harry Graham's sudden disappearance from his San Francisco-based business concern raises suspicion to his friends and colleagues. Unbeknownst to them, he has taken a trip to Los Angeles where he is involved in a romantic affair with Phyllis. In the film, we get to see Harry's life evolving in the shadows.

Harry Graham is not happy with how his life has turned out. He is a man torn between his love for two very different women. Namely, his beautiful and devoted wife Eve and his high-spirited, independent but vulnerable mistress Phyllis. The two women are unaware of each other's existence, and Harry has not confided in anyone.

As the drama unfolds, the audience sees Harry become embroiled in a complex set of circumstances that include his company's financial setbacks, his wife's desire to have a baby, and his mistress's distressing personal issues.

One of the key elements of the film is the portrayal of the different female characters. Joan Fontaine's portrayal of Eve is restrained yet powerful. There is a sense of quiet desperation that emanates from her character who has been trying to conceive a child for years. Ida Lupino's Phyllis is similarly excellent - she is bubbly, vivacious, and full of life, but troubled and vulnerable at the same time.

In the film, we see how Harry tries to balance his life as a husband, a father-to-be, and a devoted lover. The tension is palpable as we see the character gradually unraveling before our very eyes.

One of the things that make The Bigamist unique is its portrayal of Harry Graham, who is not treated as a villain but rather as a flawed, human character trying to navigate his own emotions and the women in his life. The film offers an understanding portrayal of a bigamist, a topic that was taboo during its time.

The script is well-written and cleverly explores the psychology of its characters. The cinematography is excellent, with the film's dark and shadowy scenes adding to the overall film noir feel.

Ultimately, The Bigamist is a gripping and engaging drama that explores an often overlooked topic in cinema. It is a testament to the fact that despite the moral ambiguity of Harry's actions, the film still manages to offer a sympathetic and multifaceted view of its characters. The film is equally memorable for its strong performances, excellent writing and direction, and its deeply humane message.

The Bigamist is a 1953 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.