The read
Critics rate it 26 points higher than audiences do. Scores higher than 80% of the 431 1940s drama movies in this catalog.
Synopsis
Three childhood friends, Martha, Walter and Sam, share a terrible secret. Over time, the ambitious Martha and the pusillanimous Walter have married. She is a cold businesswoman; he is the district attorney: a perfect combination to dominate the corrupt city of Iverstown at will. But the unexpected return of Sam, after years of absence, deeply disturbs the life of the odd couple.
Ratings
IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Critics rate it 26 points higher than audiences do.
195 audience votes
Key crew
- Lewis MilestoneDirector
- Robert RossenScreenplay
- Miklós RózsaOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- Barbara StanwyckMartha Ivers
- Van HeflinSam Masterson
- Lizabeth ScottAntonia 'Toni' Marachek
- Kirk DouglasWalter O'Neil
- Judith AndersonMrs. Ivers
- Roman BohnenMr. O'Neil
- Darryl HickmanYoung Sam
- Janis WilsonYoung Martha
- Ann DoranBobbi St. John
- Frank OrthHotel Clerk
- James FlavinPolice Detective #1
- Mickey KuhnYoung Walter
Stills
Movies like The Strange Love of Martha Ivers
Themes
husband wife relationshipchildhood traumafamily secretsfilm noirblack and whitealcoholicdistrict attorneybased on short storychildhood friendsfemale tycoon