trimmerb1234 This, one of the most famous lines in cinema history, occurs when one character has exhausted the other by a repeated mixture of emotional demands and exploitation. In Gone with the Wind, this was between just two characters. Here there four: Lizabeth Scott, Barbara Stanwick, Kirk Douglas and Van Heflin - all stars in their own rights. But it is the director who is the guilty party. Reaching for a gun in the top drawer of the desk - once is enough. Twice is done for effect, comic or otherwise. Here it appears to be lazy indifference. The scene where a couple blaze away at each other verbally, revealing things never revealed before, going from anger to understanding to lurve, is fair enough in any film but never ever repeated both with different pairings and even the same pairing - again if not for (comic) effect.Another reviewer has pointed to the films stageyness - action repeatedly occurs in the same or similar settings - with similar camera anglesThe mood is so variable that the viewer is never clear whether the party with a gun (all at different times) intend to sleep with, slug or shoot the other. Frankly, after an hour, I couldnt give a damn

HotToastyRag One of the iconic classic mysteries, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers stars Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin, Lizabeth Scott, Judith Anderson, Roman Bohnen, and introduces a new young actor in his first film: Kirk Douglas. In the start of the movie, Janis Wilson plays young Barbara Stanwyck. She feels oppressed by her rich aunt, Judith Anderson, and is tempted to run away with her friend Darryl Hickman, a poor, young kid who often gets in trouble. She stays home, and grows close to her other childhood friend, Mickey Kuhn. Many years later, the children are grown, and Van Heflin returns home to find things changed. He's still the same boy who came from the wrong side of the tracks, but Barbara Stanwyck is wealthy, powerful, and married to Kirk Douglas. While there's some tension crackling between Barbara and Van, he also becomes enamored with bad-girl Lizabeth Scott.John Patrick's story and Robert Rossen's screenplay are riveting, and Barbara Stanwyck is always fantastic, especially in a multi-layered, antihero role. If you thought she was great in Double Indemnity, you'll be blown away by this film. Kirk Douglas is wonderful, and that's not even giving him credit for giving such a performance in his first movie! He's known now for his tough guy roles, but in The Strange Love of Martha Ivers, he's the absolute opposite of every role he played since. He's weak and leans on symbolic crutches to get him through life. He doesn't show an ounce of physical prowess, and he's completely convincing as having never done a day's work in his life. Ironically, the main character and his love interest-Van and Lizabeth-are the worst parts of the movie. Van is supposed to be magnetic, hunky, and the type of guy you'd want to turn to when you're in trouble. Lizabeth is supposed to be trustworthy and easy to root for. I didn't think either actor pulled off those requirements. Still, it's an entertaining movie to watch, for the story and the other actors. Perfect for a dark night, a fire, and a blanket to cuddle up with!Kiddy warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, in the beginning, Judith Anderson beats a cat to death, so I wouldn't let my kids watch this movie.

SnoopyStyle It's 1928 Iverstown, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Ivers runs the town and dominates her niece Martha Ivers. She tries to run off with Sam Masterson from the poor side of town but is betrayed by friend Walter O'Neil. Sam comes back to see Martha. Her aunt starts beating her cat and she hits her aunt sending her down the stairs to her death. Martha lies and Walter backs up her lie. They think Sam had witnessed it. He rides the circus train out of town. It's 1946. Martha (Barbara Stanwyck) is now married to district attorney Walter (Kirk Douglas). He's advancing in politics. She's the cold, ruthless owner of most of the town. He's haunted by the man hung for her aunt's death but she callously dismisses his fears. He's hopelessly in love with her but she does not reciprocate. Sam is now a drifter, gambler, and veteran. He has a car accident while passing through town and gets involved with Toni Marachek. She's thrown in jail for violating parole. He asks Walter for help but Walter wonders if he wants more.Screen legends Barbara Stanwyck and Kirk Douglas are together but Van Heflin and Lizabeth Scott are equal co-leads. This is Douglas' debut. Stanwyck comes in after thirty minutes. Their combination has an electricity. Van Heflin has a blander character actor look. Scott has an angular beauty that works well with old fashion noir. Their chemistry isn't quite as electric and their side of the story is less compelling. For fans of movie stars, this sparks whenever the legends get to play. I would have preferred less melodrama and more noir. Douglas is terrific with his twists and turns. His scenes are the best.

Rainey Dawn It's great to see this film again after years of no-see. I remembered it was a good film but watching it all these years later I have to say it's a great movie - one of the best films of the 1940s - nominated for an Oscar award but should have won the award.The story is well written and very suspenseful - as it unfolds, the more suspense it builds towards a fantastic ending which I will not ruin for first time viewers nor those who haven't seen this one in years and would like to again.Outstanding casting with brilliant performances. Great set designs and costuming (mainly the ladies). The directing and cinematography are top of the line as well. Why didn't this film win an Oscar? This is a highly recommended film for a reason - it's really fantastic.10/10