From 1953, The Bigamist stars Joan Fontaine, Ida Lupino, and Edmond O'Brien, with Edmund Gwenn taking on a supporting role. Lupino also had directorial duties in this film, which begins with Eve and Harry Graham (Fontaine and O'Brien) seeking to adopt a child. When the adoption case worker, Mr. Jordan (Gwenn), mentions that their backgrounds will need to be fully investigated, Harry seems troubled and anxious, an attitude which greatly concerns Mr. Jordan. Though he can't put his finger on exactly what it is, something about Mr. Graham troubles him, so Mr. Jordan begins his investigation in earnest.
Since Harry is a traveling salesman and spends much of his time in Los Angeles, Mr. Jordan travels there, to talk to Harry's coworkers in that office. None of them have anything negative to say about Harry; in fact, they don't know anything about him outside of the office. Somewhat like an invisible man, Harry just isn't a part of the social scene there in LA. After the day's work is done, he just seems to vanish, something Mr. Jordan finds a bit peculiar.
After learning that none of the local hotels have had a Harry Graham registered for months, Mr. Jordan is even more puzzled. Then, while sitting at Harry's Los Angeles desk, he discovers a letter opener engraved with the name Harrison Graham. Wondering if Harry and Harrison might be one and the same man, Mr. Jordan searches the phone book for that name and, after finding it, makes a visit to that address. Lo and behold, it is none other than Harry Graham who answers the door. Though Harry tries to get rid of Mr. Jordan, before the man leaves, a baby cries, and Harry goes to comfort him. At that point, Harry's secret is out; no longer able to continue living his double life, he comes clean to Mr. Jordan about how he not only has a child, but also a second wife (Ida Lupino).
How Harry found himself in this situation, as well as how it is resolved, is the basis of this tragic, touching film. I found myself really feeling for all three members of this little triangle. Edmond O'Brien's character isn't a horrible monster, and Ida Lupino's character isn't a trampy homewrecker. Both characters are played sympathetically and sensitively. It's a tragic story, in that you know it's a no-win situation. No matter the outcome, characters you have come to care about are going to get hurt.
I thought the acting of all three leads was very good. I have come to really like Ida Lupino...while she used to hover at about 15 on my favorite actress list, in recent weeks, she has moved up above 10. She always puts in a good performance. Edmond O'Brien played the part of the bigamist with great sensitivity and believability. I really felt his pain.
Anyhow, I highly recommend The Bigamist. I've seen it listed on Amazon in DVD Digitally Remastered format, and I know it is also available on VHS. Plus, it is available in its entirety on YouTube. Try to catch it if you can. Happy viewing!!
