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Sorry, Wrong Number

As a child I was riveted by the classic radio play starring Agnes Moorehead, and here playwright Lucille Fletcher gets her chance to expand the relentless tale of what happens to wealthy. spoiled Leona Stevenson one lonely night in the heart of New York City. Harold Vermilyea is Evans, the devoted employee destroyed by her wastrel husband's greed, and Ann Richards is Sally, Leona's loyal (though we wonder why) ex-classmate. These two are the only likeable characters in SWN. Still, as the minutes tick by toward the horrific conclusion, life in the unconcerned city goes on ... roaring subways, loud conversations, and traffic sounds, all accentuating the mounting apprehensions and, eventually, our realization of the immense evil that has found Leona Stevenson.

Barbara Stanwyck plays Leona Stevenson, a wealthy woman self exiled to her bed. She believes she is in dire health, but actually her sickness is more mental than physical. Leona's husband Henry is played by Burt Lancaster. He is vice president of a company owned by his father-in-law. He is unhappy with his job and not satisfied with his marriage. He is long over due in changing his situation. Mrs. Stevenson, in her sick bed, over hears a suspicious conversation on a crossed connection on her telephone. Paranoia sets in and she fears she is about to be murdered. This makes for a tense time while she makes hectic phone calls trying to find her husband. This movie will test your nerves. But it is classic film-noir. Supporting cast includes Ed Begley, Wendell Corey, William Conrad, Leif Erickson and Ann Richards. Great climax.

This kept my interest in the early going but almost lost me as it turns into too much of a soap opera instead of a film noir, in which it is classified. There are some good touches film noir cinematography here and there which I enjoyed. Barbara Stanwyck, whom I usually like to watch, was nothing but a whining hypochondriac and not somebody you root for because of her constant demanding of everything. Yet, I somehow found her character at least bearable. I did like the ending and I thought it made the film more memorable and credible.

Barbara Stanwyck (as Leona Stevenson) is a neurotic woman, confined to her bed. She is married to the very attractive, and mysterious, young Burt Lancaster (as Henry Stevenson). Ms. Stanwyck relies on a state-of-the-art 1940s corded telephone to help communicate her needs. One evening, she picks up her phone and overhears two men plotting a murder; eventually, the crime moves too close to Stanwyck for comfort Stanwyck is excellent as the spoiled, arrogant, and wealthy, but, ultimately, helpless heroine of Lucille Fletcher's adapted radio play (the part was originated on radio by Agnes Moorehead). The story picks up some flaws in its extension into a feature film; it is most frustrating as (flashbacks) ((within flashbacks)) (((within flashbacks))) occur; and, the story becomes a little confusing. Still, Stanwyck's fine performance carries the film to an exciting, tense, conclusion. ******** Sorry, Wrong Number (9/1/48) Anatole Litvak ~ Barbara Stanwyck, Burt Lancaster, Wendell Corey