The Three Faces Of Eve (1957)

A timid housewife (Joanne Woodward) is referred to a psychiatrist (Lee J. Cobb) because of her memory lapses. During a session with the doctor, a new personality emerges, that of a fun loving party girl. The psychiatrist attempts to probe the reasons for the split personality but soon a third person will emerge. Based on a true story (the real Eve was one Chis Costner Sizemore) that was published in book form by the psychiatrists involved in the case, the film was one of the first films to deal with multiple personality disorder. It's been done several times since (most notably SYBIL) but the 1957 film remains a compelling story if somewhat psychologically simplistic (at least in the film). In only her third film and first starring role, Joanne Woodward emerged as one of the major film actresses of her generation. Her performance is a tour de force and her Oscar win entirely justified. Her final scene in the psychiatrist's office when her three personalities are together for the last time is a beautifully rendered moment and she's just heartbreaking. Directed by Nunally Johnson, who also did the screenplay. With David Wayne, Vince Edwards, Ken Scott and Nancy Kulp.