Word: shrike
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...Shrike. The story of a morally helpless husband (José Ferrer) and his predatory wife (June Allyson) is a brilliant movie translation of Joseph Kramm's Pulitzer-Prizewinning play (TIME, July...
...Shrike. The story of a morally helpless husband (Jose Ferrer) and his predatory wife (June Allyson) is a brilliant movie translation of Joseph Kramm's Pulitzer-Prizewinning play (TIME, July...
...Shrike. The depressing story of a morally helpless husband (José Ferrer) and his predatory wife (June Allyson) is a brilliant movie translation of Joseph Kramm's Pulitzer-Prizewinning play (TIME, July...
...black-masked bird with unsavory instincts, the shrike impales its prey on a thorn. In human form, the impaler is Ann Downs (tautly played by June Allyson), the impaled victim is husband Jim (Ferrer), the thorn their marriage. In flashbacks, the wife is shown mothering and dominating docile Jim. When his theatrical career crumbles for want of ever more inner props, Jim tries, in despair, to attach himself to another woman (Joy Page). But her reluctance to play Mom finally drives him to a jar of sleeping pills...
Sensitively written, directed and acted, The Shrike is a depressing experience but will probably rank on many counts as one of the year's outstanding movies. Like a long-burning fuse, it mounts a harrowing suspense throughout. But with the woeful situation still sizzling grimly at the end, some may feel cheated of a relieving explosion...