The Strange Love of Martha Ivers
Seen it?1946 | 115 min | Drama, Thriller
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Cape Fear or Nocturnal Animals, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 55 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1946: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$3 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 73K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Lewis Milestone
- 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