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Poster for Sudden Fear

Sudden Fear

Seen it?

1952 | 112 min | Thriller, Crime

Friday Night Flickearly rating

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for crime fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved In a Lonely Place or The Killing, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Tense, gritty.
The pace
Fast-moving, at 1 hr 52 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1952: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Actor Lester Blaine has all but landed the lead in Myra Hudson's new play when Myra vetoes him because, to her, he doesn't look like a romantic leading man. On a train from New York to San Francisco, Blaine sets out to prove Myra wrong...by romancing her. Is he sincere, or does he have a dark ulterior motive?

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    92% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.2 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Nominated for 4 Oscars and 1 Golden Globe.

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 43K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by David Miller

  • Joan CrawfordMyra Hudson Blaine
  • Jack PalanceLester Blaine
  • Gloria GrahameIrene Neves
  • Bruce BennettSteve Kearney
  • Virginia HustonAnn Taylor
  • Mike ConnorsJunior Kearney
  • Bess FlowersParty Guest (uncredited)
  • Harold MillerReception Guest (uncredited)
  • Bert StevensOpera Patron (uncredited)