PamelaShort Joan Fontaine is at the peak of her talent and beauty, when she starred in this outstanding Victorian era film noir. Fontaine plays the patrician, tremulous poisoner with a courteous, polite manner, and she adds the right amount of imbalance, that helps to make the sinister ambitions of Ivy, most convincing. The first scene is gripping and sets the mood perfectly, through-out the entire film. Ivy visits a fortune teller, and is very delighted when the woman predicts that "an abundance of money" and "another man" will soon come her way. When she encounters Miles Rushworth, ( Herbert Marshall ) that afternoon, it seems the predication has come. But first she must get rid of her sweet, but happy-go-lucky, layabout husband Jervis Lexton, ( Richard Ney ). Ivy also has an ex-lover, Roger Gretorex, ( Patric Knowles ) who can't get the alluring beauty out of his system. Ivy weaves her way through this duplicitous tangled web, but she has made some fatal mistakes along the way. Cedric Hardwicke plays the suspecting Inspector Orpington, who won't give up until he settles the mysterious case of death. I especially enjoyed the surprise ending for the wicked Ivy. Joan Fontaine is absolutely stunning in her Orry Kelly wardrobe and lovely wide-brimmed hats with tantalizing veils. The Victorian decor sets are extremely realistic, and the atmosphere perfectly presents the impending doom. All the actors give fine performances in this forgotten, extraordinary suspenseful film. It is gripping from beginning to end, and is good enough to stand with other classics of it's time. A thrilling movie that is well worth a look.

kidboots Although Marie Belloc Lowndes is best known for her psychological horror novel "The Lodger", she did write others with the emphasis on the why rather than the who!! "Letty Lynton" was one and "The Story of Ivy" written in 1928 was another. "Ivy" was a wonderful example of the elegance of some movies made in the post war Hollywood era. With a 120 day shooting schedule and a budget of $150,000 - $30,000 of which went toward the magnificent wardrobe of Joan Fontaine, the film finished 20 days ahead of schedule due to the professionalism of director Sam Wood and the meticulousness of art director William Cameron Menzies.Ivy (Fontaine) is completely disenchanted with her weakling husband Jervis (Richard Ney), so much so that they have discussed divorce. He has managed to squander his whole inheritance and they are now reduced to living in shabby lodgings. We first see Ivy consulting a fortune teller (Una O'Connor) and she is ecstatic change and wealth are predicted for her. The seer neglects to inform Ivy that she also sees evil influences and terrible misfortune. Things improve instantly. By using her wiles on Mr. Rushworth (Herbert Marshall in a pretty thankless role) he gives Jervis a job in his office and Jervis grasps the opportunity to make good. Even though she is determined to become Mrs. Rushworth, she still has another person to dispose of - Dr. Gretorex (Patrick Knowles)!!!Joan Fontaine had perfected her "little girl lost" look and it came to her aid in the scene where the police break the news that her husband didn't die of natural causes - he was poisoned!! "Was he insured? - No, he just had his job, don't worry about me, I'll get a job - You're a very brave woman"!!! However, Inspector Orpington (Sir Cedric Hardwicke) is having second thoughts about Ivy's involvement. Hoping to get rid of Gretorex as well, she lies on the witness stand and it is only vital evidence from his loyal old housekeeper (Sara Allgood) that keeps him from the gallows. Ivy has been given a beautiful bag with a secret compartment - just perfect for storing poison and it is the finding of the bag which culminates in the climax of this moody Edwardian thriller.Olivia DeHavilland was originally assigned to play Ivy but after playing a murderess in "The Dark Mirror" was reluctant to play another so soon. Her sister Joan, already a bitter rival, stepped in and was perfect, even though she didn't like the movie personally.

peter_puppet Does anyone happen to know where this film was shot? The aviation scene on the cliff is beautiful. It appears to be England. However, Ivy's apartment building certainly looks like the Brill Building, with its fascinating elevators.Charles Mendl is listed as playing "Sir Charles Gage". Maybe I blinked, but I never saw him. Perhaps he was the husband's lawyer, but, again, I don't recall that character being in the film, other than being mentioned as having made a phone call. Perhaps he was in the aviation scene? Or the ballroom scene? Did anyone spot him?Herbert Marshall was 57 years old when he shot this film.

SkippyDevereaux I found this to be a very enjoyable melodrama.The story is about how Joan Fontaine tries to rid herself of a husband and a lover in order to obtain a wealthy Englishman.Solid performances by the supporting players are outstanding as is the lead performance of Joan Fontaine.Also great were the costumes and the sets--very impressive and realistic, at least they looked that way to me.I'm a sucker for these old black and white melodrama mysteries and I found this one to be one of the best ones.