Another Man's Poison (1952)
Grade: 66
The fourth husband of Bette Davis was actor Gary Merrill. They would make three films together over three years. The first was "All About Eve", which was perhaps the best and most successful film of Davis' long career. Davis had just a minor role in "Phone Call From a Stranger". However, in their third film together, Davis and Merrill were the leads. And are they nasty to each other!
But then, Davis relished roles that had her playing selfish, bitchy, even murderous characters. "Another Man's Poison" gave her such a role. She poisons two men, and enjoys watching them die. She also impetuously breaks up an engagement between the perfect couple. But there's something good to be said about her character. She's in love with her horse, Fury.
This only begins to explain the hopelessly implausible plot of "Another Man's Poison". Set and filmed in England, Davis plays a mystery writer with an absentee, bank robber husband. He returns, she kills him, and her husband's partner in crime (Merrill) pays a visit and decides to take his place. He thinks it makes for a good cover, but delightfully inquisitive neighbor Dr. Henderson (Emlyn Williams) is suspicious. While Henderson gradually and cleverly unravels the crimes of Merrill and Davis, Davis keeps herself busy stealing much younger Larry (Anthony Steel) from his fiancee Chris (Barbara Murray). Chris is secretary for Davis, and is as sweet and gentle as Davis is cynical and cruel. The character contrast makes Davis' mistreatment of Chris all the more entertaining.
Based on Leslie Sands' play "Deadlock", the stage origins are apparent. Most of the scenes take place in Davis' mansion. And the story is overripe, especially when Davis cons Merrill into driving a jeep at night during a thunderstorm on a dangerous winding road. It is unlike Merrill's suspicious, ill-tempered character to eagerly agree to such a stupid task.
Still, it is almost as fun to watch Davis' campy 'bad girl' performance as it must have been for her to play it. Davis seems to know every affected pose and cunning facial expression, and her voice practically drips with venom.
briankoller@usa.net http://members.tripod.com/~Brian_Koller/movies.html http://briankoller.epinions.com/user-briankoller
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