Beware, My Lovely, from 1952, is a mildly suspenseful drama starring Ida Lupino and Robert Ryan. This is another of the many roles in which I think Ryan totally excels, as does Ida.
The film begins with a man (Ryan) discovering a dead body in a closet and then hightailing it away from that house. Catching a ride on a freight train, the man soon arrives in another town and at the home of widow, Helen Gordon (Lupino). Introducing himself as Howard Wilton, he offers his handyman services to Mrs. Gordon, and she immediately hires him.
Though Howard is obviously troubled in some way, that isn't at first apparent to Helen. It isn't until later, after Howard tells her that he has episodes of confusion and forgetfulness and that he sometimes wonders if he has hurt someone, that Helen begins to be alarmed.
Upon discovering that the front door has been locked and the key removed and that she is trapped inside her house with a man she thinks intends to harm her, panic really begins to set in for Helen. Does he intend to harm her? Will he do so, or does she get away from him? Those are the questions that play out in this very interesting film.
Beware, My Lovely is definitely an enjoyable viewing experience. It's suspenseful without being scary. And the acting of both Robert Ryan and Ida Lupino is terrific (as is typical for both!). Incidentally, Ryan and Lupino starred together in another film, On Dangerous Ground, which I have reviewed HERE. That, too, is a very solid 4-star film.
I don't believe this movie is out on DVD; however, I know it is available on VHS. Plus, TCM airs it fairly regularly. Hope you get a chance to see it.
Happy viewing!!
NOTE: This story was recreated as the TV drama, The Man, in 1960, with Audie Murphy and Thelma Ritter in the Ryan/Lupino roles. With only a few minor changes, the stories are identical. Read my review HERE.
