Among The Living (1941)

After his father's death, a wealthy scion (Albert Dekker) discovers that the twin brother (Albert Dekker) he thought dead is still alive. Hopelessly insane, he had been locked away in secrecy to protect the family's reputation. After he escapes, the sane brother and the doctor (Harry Carey) who had cared for him attempt to hunt him down before he kills ..... again. Directed by Stuart Heisler (THE GLASS KEY), this slice of Southern Gothic with noir-ish trimmings is effective if simplistic. The film has developed a cult following since its release and certain quarters are highly disposed toward it. Personally, while I found it entertaining enough I wasn't impressed. It never extends beyond its B movie roots and parts of it are quite silly. Dekker's "good" brother and Carey's dubious doctor are morally responsible for the mayhem that follows because of their own selfish interests. The film's "hurry up and wrap it up" finale is almost laughable. As the wife, Frances Farmer is wasted but her Hollywood career was pretty much over at this point. The movie is taken over by Susan Hayward's vixen, not yet a major star but on her way. The one first rate thing about the film is Theodor Sparkuhl's (Renoir's LA CHIENNE) B&W cinematography which gives the movie a shadowy and menacing sheen. With Gordon Jones and Jean Phillips.