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Poster for Whirlpool

Whirlpool

Seen it?

1950 | 98 min | Thriller, Crime, Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and a lukewarm 6.4 out of 10 from audiences. 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 crime-drama fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved The Naked City or Point Blank, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Tense, dark and gritty.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 38 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1950: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

The wife of a psychoanalyst falls prey to a devious quack hypnotist when he discovers she is an habitual shoplifter. Then one of his previous patients now being treated by the real doctor is found murdered, with her still at the scene, and suspicion points only one way.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    92% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.4 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerWeak

    $60K worldwide

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 26K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Otto Preminger

  • Gene TierneyAnn Sutton
  • José FerrerDavid Korvo
  • Richard ConteDr. William 'Bill' Sutton
  • Charles BickfordLt. James Colton
  • Eduard FranzMartin Avery
  • Barbara O'NeilTheresa "Terry" Randolph
  • Constance CollierTina Cosgrove
  • Fortunio BonanovaFeruccio di Ravallo
  • Lawrence DobkinDr. Wayne
  • Robert FoulkPoliceman Andy (uncredited)