“Shock” is a film noir thriller directed by Alfred L. Werker and released in 1946. The film follows Dr. Richard Cross, a psychiatrist who is called to the scene of a murder to evaluate the mental state of the suspect, Mrs. Janet Stewart. As Cross tries to get to the bottom of the case, he discovers that Mrs. Stewart is not who she appears to be and that her husband’s death is not as straightforward as it seems.
The film stars Vincent Price as Dr. Cross and Lynn Bari as Mrs. Stewart. The supporting cast includes Frank Latimore as Lt. Paul Stewart, Anabel Shaw as Nurse Charlotte Grant, and Stephen Dunne as Dr. Stevens.
The movie begins with the murder of Mrs. Stewart’s husband, a wealthy businessman. When the police arrive, they find Mrs. Stewart standing over her dead husband with a gun in her hand. She claims to have no memory of what happened and is taken to the hospital for evaluation.
Dr. Cross is called in to examine Mrs. Stewart and determine if she is mentally fit to stand trial. As he begins to interview her, he becomes convinced that she is not the killer. He also learns that Mrs. Stewart is suffering from shock and amnesia, and has no memory of what happened before or after the murder.
Dr. Cross becomes increasingly intrigued by the case and decides to investigate further. He visits the Stewart home and talks to their neighbors, but is unable to find any solid evidence to prove Mrs. Stewart’s innocence.
As the investigation continues, Dr. Cross begins to suspect that there is more to the case than meets the eye. He discovers that Mrs. Stewart is not who she claims to be and that her husband’s death may have been part of a larger conspiracy.
In the end, Dr. Cross is able to uncover the truth behind the murder and clear Mrs. Stewart’s name. The film ends with the revelation of the real killer and a dramatic confrontation between the killer and Dr. Cross.
“Shock” is a suspenseful and well-crafted film noir with strong performances from the lead actors. It is an excellent example of the genre and a must-see for fans of classic thrillers.
Directors:
Alfred L. Werker
Writer:
Eugene Ling, Albert DeMond, Martin Berkeley
Stars:
Vincent Price, Lynn Bari, Frank Latimore
