Repeat Performance (1947)

On New Years Eve 1946, a young actress (Joan Leslie) kills her abusive alcoholic husband (Louis Hayward). But fate gives her a second chance when she finds herself back on New Years Eve 1945 and has a chance to relive that year. But can she change her destiny or is her fate sealed? Based on the novel by William O'Farrell and directed by Alfred L. Werker (ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES). The mixture of film noir and supernatural elements are rare but not unheard of, ALIAS NICK BEAL (1949) and THE NIGHT HAS A THOUSAND EYES (1948) are but two examples. This little known example (it was long thought a "lost" film) is both clever and distinctive in its execution. I must confess I couldn't understand why when given a second chance, Leslie didn't just dump Hayward, who's a total jerk, and get on with her life. That aside, for noir or fantasy fans, it's well worth seeking out. Remade as a TV movie in 1989. With Richard Basehart (in the book, his character is a cross dresser) in his film debut, Tom Conway, Virginia Field, Natalie Schafer, Benay Venuta and narration by John Ireland.