Der Mann mit den zwei Frauen (1953)

Der Mann mit den zwei Frauen: Directed by Ida Lupino. With Joan Fontaine, Ida Lupino, Edmund Gwenn, Edmond O’Brien. A man secretly married to two women feels the pressure of his deceit.

“An interesting drama with some thoughtful moments, u0026quot;The Bigamistu0026quot; succeeds in offering a sympathetic look at everyone involved in an emotionally trying situation, and in maintaining drama and tension for the entire running time. Ida Lupino does a good job both in acting and in directing, playing one of the key characters while telling the story in a careful fashion that does not oversimplify the issues involved.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAs the three main characters, Lupino, Edmond Ou0026#39;Brien, and Joan Fontaine all give believable and effective performances. All of them make their share of mistakes, and yet all three characters are worth caring for, and their mistakes are understandable ones. The double-life situation and its consequences for all concerned is set up so as to go against some of the usual preconceptions. Ou0026#39;Brienu0026#39;s character is lonely, but by no means ill-intentioned, and the situation is sad, never sordid.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe tone is somber almost from the beginning, and except for a couple of amusing references to Edmund Gwennu0026#39;s earlier role in u0026quot;Miracle on 34th Streetu0026quot;, there are few or no moments of humor to break the tension. Thus you can feel the unending sense of foreboding that Ou0026#39;Brienu0026#39;s character feels in regard to the complications he has caused.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eLupino and the script also manage to provide an honest look at the situation with few hindrances from the strict production code of the era. Only at a couple of odd moments can you tell that they had to shift gears slightly so as to placate the censors. Although the movie is low-key and straightforward, itu0026#39;s a commendable effort, and it makes for good drama.”