Ivy (1947)

Really Surprised!

One of the best films i have seen

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

When she's good she's very good, but when she's bad she's better. Joan Fontaine uses her angelic features and soft voice to strong counter-effect as the poisonous Ivy; the best scenes have her in close-up, changing facial expressions as she overhears conversations in other rooms. Apart from the stunning Fontaine, the film is pretty dull, especially in the first half (the lack of spark between her and Herbert Marshall, even if she does only care for his money, doesn't help - he is literally old enough to be her father). When Ivy discovers her murderous tendencies it picks up a little, but the contrivance of her hiding incriminating evidence in her own apartment is hard to swallow - as is the unbelievable last scene. ** out of 4.

Ivy (1947) is an excellent "gaslight noir" film, with elements of Hitchcock and Victorian Gothic. Joan Fontaine is superb as the beautiful villainess Ivy. The film is visually stunning, with a suspenseful storyline. This rare gem deserves more recognition. Ivy is a beautiful blonde woman with a soft voice and elegant manners. She wears gorgeous Edwardian fashions, and extravagant hats with veils. However, beneath the alluring exterior is a cold hearted woman who is obsessed with having beautiful things, such as gowns, jewelry and opulent apartments. She is ruthless in her pursuit of beautiful items, to the point of murder. Ivy spent all her husband's money, and her lover is a doctor who cares for the poor. Neither man can give Ivy the beautiful things she craves.When Ivy meets the much older multimillionaire Miles Rushworth, she plots to scheme her way into his heart.There is a dramatic scene on Rushworth's yacht where Ivy tries to seduce him. Ivy appears in the doorway, looking gorgeous in a low-cut evening gown. Rushworth is tempted, but tells her that he does not become involved with married women.When Ivy's husband refuses to divorce her, she resorts to poisoning him, and then frames her lover for the murder. Suspense builds as the police try to determine who murdered Ivy's husband.Ivy hides her poison in a black purse with a strange clasp in the shape of a woman's face. The female face clasp is symbolic, as poison was a woman's weapon in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, because it was secretive and nonconfrontational. This is a "gaslight noir" film, set in Edwardian England, but with 1940s noir light and shadow, including the iconic noir slatted shadows. The movie has some Hitchcockian elements, such as a cool blonde, a man wrongfully accused, mirrors, and a build up of suspense.Victorian Gothic elements include the spooky clairvoyant woman, and her assistant who plays an eerie tune on the piano. The eerie music recurs throughout the film, and adds to the atmosphere. Legendary art director and producer William Cameron Menzies gave the film stunning visuals and atmosphere. The sets are lavish. Ivy's costumes are gorgeous confections of lace, chiffon and glitter. This film has a suspenseful storyline, excellent performances, lavish sets and costumes, great atmosphere, dramatic noir lighting, and a beautiful villainess. Hopefully a DVD will be released soon.

Ivy is directed by Sam Wood and adapted to screenplay by Charles Bennett from the novel The Story of Ivy written by Marie Belloc Lowndes. It stars Joan Fontaine, Patric Knowles, Herbert Marshall, Richard Ney, Cedric Hardwicke and Lucile Watson. Music is by Daniele Amfitheatrof and cinematography by Russell Metty.Ivy Lexton (Fontaine) has a hunger to be wealthy, and setting her sights on well-to-do Miles Rushworth ( Marshall), Ivy plots a fiendish plan that spells trouble for her husband Jervis (Ney) and her lover Roger (Knowles).Well worth discovering, Ivy showcases the dark side of Fontaine's acting prowess for great entertainment rewards. The beautiful Madame Fontaine actually disowned the movie, and this after she stepped in to the role of Ivy Lexton after her sister Olivia de Havilland turned it down. Her lack of affection for the picture goes some way to explaining why it has remained largely forgotten, which is a shame because it's a high end gaslight noir propelled by a femme fatale of some considerable substance.The budget was high, and it shows, in the cast list, the costuming and the stunning turn of the century production design by William Cameron Menzies. Metty's low-key photography cloaks the Edwardian settings with atmospheric snugness, while Amfitheatrof underscores the drama with music that is appropriately tinged with chills. Thematically the piece is focusing on obsessions, by way of man's ignorant lust and woman's pursuit of wealth above all else. All characters are defined not by fate here, but by their actions, making for a hornet's nest of murder and adultery.1947 was a stellar year for film noir, with big hitting movies like Out of the Past, Nightmare Alley, Kiss of Death, Odd Man Out and Brighton Rock further cementing the growing popularity of noir as a style of film making. As is often the case with the great noir years from the classic cycle, there's still little gems hidden away waiting to be brought out into the open, Ivy is one such film. Fontaine and the sumptuous noir visual style ensure this to be the case. 8/10

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.