The Locket (1946)

On the day of his wedding, the groom (Gene Raymond) is paid a visit from a psychiatrist (Brian Aherne) who claims to be the first husband of the intended bride (Laraine Day). As he tells of their history together, the film goes into a flashback and a flashback within that flashback and yet another flashback within that flashback. What is revealed is a detailed but fascinating accounting of the psychosis of a liar, thief and murderess and the men who are drawn to her. Based on a screenplay titled WHAT NANCY WANTED by Norma Barzman and directed by John Brahm. Brahm was an unfortunately too often overlooked director of such solid films as HANGOVER SQUARE and GUEST IN THE HOUSE. This is a marvelous gem of a psychological noir with a complex execution. Thematically, it’s similar in narrative to Hitchcock’s MARNIE but less polished, less astute and not as elaborate and Day’s performance, while a career best, lacks the intricacies of Tippi Hedren’s superb performance. Still, it’s a corker of psychological mystery guaranteed to keep you spellbound. With Robert Mitchum, Martha Hyer, Reginald Denny, Henry Stephenson and Ellen Corby.