The Paradine Case
Seen it?1947 | 114 min | Drama, Mystery, Romance
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (77% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.3 out of 10 from audiences and 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 and romantics. If you loved Witness for the Prosecution or Rebecca, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense, warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 54 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1947: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
In London, barrister Anthony Keane takes the case of Maddalena Paradine, a beautiful woman accused of poisoning her blind husband. Though happily married, Keane becomes infatuated with his enigmatic client and convinced of her innocence. His obsession clouds his judgment as he builds a defense implicating her servant, André Latour—an act that leads to devastating consequences both in court and at home.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
77% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.3 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$4 million worldwide on a $4 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 68K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
- Gregory PeckAnthony Keane
- Ann ToddGay Keane
- Alida ValliMrs. Paradine
- Charles LaughtonJudge Lord Thomas Horfield
- Charles CoburnSir Simon Flaquer
- Ethel BarrymoreLady Sophie Horfield
- Louis JourdanAndre Latour
- Leo G. CarrollSir Joseph
- Joan TetzelJudy Flaquer
- Isobel ElsomInnkeeper