Watch The Locket

The Locket is a psychological drama film from 1946 directed by John Brahm and starring Laraine Day, Robert Mitchum, and Brian Aherne. The movie follows the story of Nancy, a troubled and emotionally unstable woman, and her complex relationships with three men she encounters at different times in her life: Dr. Harry Blair, John Willis, and Norman Clyde.

The film opens with Nancy being convicted of theft and sentenced to prison. As she serves her time, she reflects on her past and the events that led her to this point. Flashbacks reveal that Nancy's problems can be traced back to a traumatic event from her childhood when she witnessed her mother's suicide. This tragedy instills in her a profound fear of abandonment and a sense of worthlessness that lingers into adulthood.

As a young woman, Nancy becomes engaged to Dr. Harry Blair, a kind and compassionate man who seems to understand her pain. However, their happiness is short-lived as Nancy begins to exhibit erratic and self-destructive behavior. Harry, aware of Nancy's troubled past, tries to help her but ultimately feels that he cannot provide the level of emotional support she needs.

Nancy then meets and marries John Willis, a wealthy businessman. John is initially drawn to Nancy's beauty and charm but soon realizes that she is not the stable and reliable partner he had hoped for. John's attempts to control Nancy's behavior only exacerbate her issues, and she ends up leaving him.

Finally, Nancy comes into contact with Norman Clyde, a man who knew her during her time in prison. Norman is smitten with Nancy and becomes determined to win her over, but his persistent pursuit only serves to exacerbate her sense of being trapped and hunted. As Nancy's past begins to catch up with her, she becomes increasingly unstable and feels that she has no escape from her own pervasive sense of guilt.

The Locket is a tour de force of psychological drama, exploring the intricacies of human relationships and the deep-seated trauma that can drive individuals to the brink of self-destruction. The film successfully weaves together multiple timelines, each linked by Nancy's troubled past and the men who have impacted her life. The performances are nuanced and powerful, with Laraine Day delivering a standout portrayal of a woman struggling to come to terms with her own demons.

Overall, The Locket is a gripping and thought-provoking film that delves deep into the complexities of human psychology. Through Nancy's tumultuous journey, the film illustrates the profound impact that trauma can have on a person's life and the ways in which actions and decisions can have far-reaching consequences.