[Demdike@Cult Labs]

Gaslight (1944)

The American remake of Thorold Dickinson's British psychological thriller film from 1940 in which Ingrid Bergman won her first best actress Academy Award for her performance as a socialite slowly being driven out of her mind by new husband, the smarmy Charles Boyer.

Glossier than the British film and slicker in the direction by George Cukor, this captures the essence of Victorian London arguably better, especially with it's interior set design and larger budget for outdoor scenes in the foggy London streets.

Naturally Bergman runs away with the acting honours but the longer the film goes on the more of an utter bastard Boyer becomes. I was praying for Rick Blaine to come along and put a couple of bullets in him for his treatment of poor old Ilsa but it wasn't to be.

Look out for Angela Lansbury in her movie debut as Boyer and Bergman's scene stealing maid. She's terrific.

Hugely enjoyable, recommended.