Paula Alquist (Bergman) is a young woman trying to escape her tragic past. Her aunt was a famous opera singer who was murdered in her London home, and she was the only mother Paula ever knew. The killer was never caught, and her aunt?s valuable gemstone collection was never found. It was in fact a young Paula who had disturbed the killer that night when she wandered downstairs to investigate strange noises, although she saw no-one. Years later Paula is in Europe, looking very much the image of her late aunt, and following in her footsteps by studying to be a singer. Everything changes for Paula when she falls in love with the dashing and worldly Gregory Anton (Boyer), a pianist and budding composer. Returning to London to start a new life as Mrs Gregory Anton, her husband wants to live in the Thornton Square home she inherited from her aunt ? her childhood home where the murder took place. Paula relents and they move in.

It soon becomes clear that this environment causes her to repeatedly confront painful memories from the past. Yet, her husband?s behaviour becomes increasingly cold and dominating to the point where she is afraid to leave the house. Even the servants, Nancy (Lansbury) and Elizabeth (Everest), treat her as if she were an invalid to be pitied, and are encouraged by Mr Anton to consult only him on all matters, so as not to disturb the ?delicate mental state? of the lady of the house. Over time, Paula?s sense of power and security is systematically eroded by all members of the household, encouraged by her manipulative husband, until she begins to doubt her sanity. Luckily for Paula, there are two people in the outside world who believe there is something amiss at No. 9 Thornton Square. They are Miss Thwaites (Whitty), the neighbourhood busybody, and Brian Cameron (Cotten), a Scotland Yard detective who has a personal interest in Paula?s aunt?s murder and the current ?goings-on? at the Anton residence. Is Paula really going mad or are there other motives at work?

This is an absorbing piece of classic cinema suspense, based on a play by Patrick Hamilton, and definitely worth seeing. All the acting is in that classic Hollywood style, and the standard is high. There was another film version of this play made in England four years earlier, and rumour has it that MGM tried to destroy the negative of this original film version. Nonetheless, this attempt was made in 1944, nominated for 7 Academy Awards, and won in the categories of Best Actress (Bergman?s first) and Best Art Direction for the creation of an eerie, claustrophobic house in Victorian England, shot entirely on the MGM soundstages in Hollywood. It?s very well done considering that there are a few ?outdoor? scenes that had to be entirely recreated indoors. Even the last scene of the film features an amazing night sky complete with rolling clouds ? it looks so real. Continuing this idea of creating authenticity, and according to Bergman?s daughter, Ingrid visited a mental hospital in preparation for her role, studying one woman in particular, and noticing her eye movements. You can clearly see the results of this in the film, most notably when Paula is unsure of herself. Interestingly too, Angela Lansbury was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in this, her first screen role at the tender age of 17!

Looking at the trailer, the studio categorised the film as an examination of a ?strange love?, which somehow didn?t explain the sinister manipulation of all the females in the household by the loathsome Mr Anton, played so well by Charles Boyer. On one level, that?s why the studio called it strange, but there IS more to it than that, and we are given many clues. I won?t spoil anything, as the plot takes a couple of odd turns, but throughout the film I was dying to know WHY Mr Anton was behaving as he was. That?s the central mystery to be discovered, and all will eventually be revealed, but not by me! Of course, I thoroughly enjoyed being kept in suspense like this. This film is a great example of the ?golden years? of Hollywood. It?s all there in glorious black and white.

THE EXTRAS

There?s the original theatrical trailer, scene selection, a short excerpt from the 1944 Academy Awards ceremony and a 14-minute documentary entitled ?Reflections on Gaslight?. This mini-documentary is hosted by one of Ingrid Bergman?s daughters, Pia Lindstrom, and features an interview with Angela Lansbury, who played cheeky chambermaid Nancy in the film. She reflects upon her experiences whilst making the film, working alongside Bergman and Boyer, as well as the film?s famous ?woman?s director? George Cukor. I picked up some interesting trivia along the way that is mentioned in the main review section.

Spoken language options are offered in English, French and Italian. Subtitle options are offered in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Arabic and Dutch. English and Italian for the hearing impaired are also included. Overall, it?s a good effort, considering the film was made in 1944.

CONCLUSION

Ingrid Bergman, Charles Boyer, Joseph Cotten and Angela Lansbury all star in this classic black and white suspense film from 1944. The sets are perfectly eerie, the actors are all at the top of their game, and the plot is absorbing. If you love to hate the bad guy, or like mysteries set in creepy old houses with attics then you?ll really get into this film. Everything?s done in that grand old Hollywood style, and the overall effect is perfect - especially on a rainy night under a doona with the lights off. Popcorn optional.