Watch The Strange Woman

The Strange Woman is a 1946 American drama film, directed by Edgar G. Ulmer and starring Hedy Lamarr, George Sanders, and Louis Hayward. The film is set in Bangor, Maine in the early 19th century and follows the story of Jenny (Hedy Lamarr), a beautiful and seductive woman who uses her charm to manipulate the men around her. Despite her father being the town drunk, Jenny is determined to break free from her impoverished upbringing and live a life of luxury and indulgence.

Jenny sets her sights on two men - wealthy lumberman Isaiah Poster (Gene Lockhart) and his son, John (Louis Hayward). While Isaiah is gentle and kind-hearted, John is cold and calculating, and it is not long before Jenny decides that he is the better catch of the two.

Jenny uses her feminine wiles to ensnare John, but as their relationship develops, it becomes clear that he is not the man she thought he was. As Jenny's lies and deceit catch up with her, she must decide whether to continue down a path of destruction or finally face up to her past mistakes and start anew.

Hedy Lamarr delivers a standout performance as Jenny, perfectly capturing the character's manipulative nature and the many layers of her troubled past. Her beauty and charisma are both a blessing and a curse, allowing her to charm those around her but also causing her to be mistrusted and feared.

George Sanders is also excellent in his role as John, bringing a sense of danger and intrigue to the character that keeps the audience guessing about his true intentions. The chemistry between Lamarr and Sanders is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the most intense and memorable of the film.

Louis Hayward, as the kind-hearted Isaiah, provides a stark contrast to the other characters and serves as a reminder of what could have been for Jenny if she had made different choices. His performance is understated but effective, and he brings a sense of warmth and humanity to the film that is sorely needed.

Visually, The Strange Woman is stunning, with crisp black and white cinematography that captures the beauty and harshness of the Maine landscape. The film also boasts a haunting and atmospheric score that perfectly complements the on-screen action.

Overall, The Strange Woman is a gripping and emotionally charged drama that explores themes of power, manipulation, and the price of ambition. With a cast of unforgettable performances, beautiful visuals, and a gripping storyline, it is a true classic of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

The Strange Woman is a 1946 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.