Dead Ringer-1964

Director Paul Henreid

Starring Bette Davis, Karl Malden

Scott’s Review #67

Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: B+

Dead Ringer (1964) is a black-and-white thriller from 1964 starring Bette Davis in her final leading role before she took on the character and supporting roles.

It’s an interesting dual role for Davis, and being a huge fan of hers, two are better than one.

The story centers on a wealthy widow and her twin sister, a struggling bar owner. The two have not spoken in decades and renewed their animosity at a funeral.

One of them schemes to cause the other’s death, which results in an entertaining game of mistaken identity.

Davis carries this film and is dynamic in every scene she is in- those eyes, facial expressions, and throaty voice. Her characteristic sexy pose with the cigarette is utilized often.

She is simply dynamic.

The story and plot are carefully crafted and the angles showing both characters are impressive for the time (1964).

The differing lifestyles of the characters also make for a more challenging performance by Davis.

Karl Malden is a treat as a love interest of one of the sisters.