Cast
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Jack Hawkins
as Oliver Branwell
Arlene Dahl
as Sarah Moreton Branwell
Dennis Price
as Tracey Moreton
Violet Farebrother
as Mrs. Moreton
Ian Hunter
as Clive Fisher
Malcolm Keen
as Old Abercrombie
Geoffrey Keen
as Michael Abercrombie aka Young Abercrombie
Patrick Holt
as Fred Connor
John Robinson
as Berkeley Reckitt
Michael Goodliffe
as Detective Insp. Barnes
Martin Lane
as Det. Constable Watson
Bernard Miles
as Mr. Jerome
Christopher Lee
as Charles Highbury
Greta Gynt
as Vere Litchen
John Phillips
as Willis Croft
Crew
Director
- Sidney Gilliat
Producer
- Sidney Gilliat
- Frank Launder
Reviews
CinemaSerf
A better than average crime noir that features Jack Hawkins as an insurance investigator drafted in, on Christmas Eve, to investigate a fire at a country house. When he gets there he discovers an old flame (Irene Dahl) married to the owner (Dennis Price). When he dies in a second fire at the house, Hawkins suspects that she was behind it for the insurance cash, but she convinces him not and they marry and all seems straightforward until a blackmailer rears his ugly head and together they have to try to get to the bottom of things. Hawkins is good in this, he keeps it all tense and although the plot does trip over itself once or twice, a good supporting cast including Ian Hunter and Geoffrey Keen make this quite an intriguing mystery with plenty of red herrings to keep us hooked.
Jul 26, 2024
Thematic Analysis
Fortune Is a Woman represents a fascinating example of Thriller/Crime cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Sidney Gilliat brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1957, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Fortune Is a Woman took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 154 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 132 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1957, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Fortune Is a Woman shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Night in Paradise, which focuses more on action than character development, Fortune Is a Woman subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Key Largo and Mildred Pierce explore similar territory, Fortune Is a Woman stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 13, 1957
- Runtime: 1h 35m
