The Secret Fury, from 1950, is a slightly suspenseful romantic drama starring Claudette Colbert and Robert Ryan. Directed by Mel Ferrer, the film begins at the wedding of of Ellen Ewing (Colbert) and David McLean (Ryan). When the preacher says the customary, "If anyone knows why this woman and this man should not be wed," words, a man stands up and makes the shocking revelation that Ellen is already married---to a man named Lucien Randall. Although Ellen is astounded by these words and denies their truth, the man is insistent, even going so far as to claim that he had been best man at the wedding. A quick phone call to the records department of the county in which he claims the marriage took place reveals that, yes, Ellen Ewing and Lucien Randall were married several months earlier.
Since the preacher won't marry Ellen and David until he's certain he would not be getting involved in bigamy, the ceremony is postponed. Ellen and David set out to disprove the stranger's words, but things aren't that simple. Arriving at the home of the Justice of the Peace who supposedly married her, Ellen is shocked to discover that he recognizes her...and that he is calling her Mrs. Randall. Additionally, it IS her signature on the marriage license.
Distraught, Ellen assures David that she doesn't even know Lucien Randall and that she couldn't possibly have married him that particular day, as she was nowhere in the vicinity. David believes Ellen and continues to try to figure out what is going on; however, when they arrive at the local hotel and Ellen is once again greeted as Mrs. Randall---this time by a maid wearing a pin for which she thanks Ellen---Ellen begins to become hysterical. She begins to wonder if she really did marry Lucien and just doesn't remember doing so. She wonders if she has amnesia...or if she's losing her mind.
A bit later, Randall is murdered, and Ellen is charged with the crime. After a complete hysterical breakdown at the trial, Ellen is deemed insane and subsequently institutionalized. David, however, never stops trying to figure out what is going on.
Did Ellen really marry Lucien Randall? Does she really not remember doing so? If she didn't marry him, why does everything point to the fact that she did? And, finally, did she really kill Randall? These are the questions that play out in this film.
I enjoyed this movie, but that is mostly because of Robert Ryan. Had it been another co-star, I'm not sure I would enjoy the film as much. Although I totally love Ryan and think he is beyond fabulous when he is playing nasty, sometimes, I just like the opportunity to see him in a good-guy role. His acting was good here, though I think the broad range of his talents is better used in a more complex character. I thought Claudette Colbert was good as well...a little over the top, but when you're playing an hysterical character, over the top is necessary. I do think the plot is somewhat unrealistic..I mean, not being sure if you got married or not? It's a bit farfetched to think a woman wouldn't remember that. Also, the courtrom scene was a bit tedious. Still, though, this is a 3-star film for me. I own it (having recorded it from TCM sometime last year), and I will definitely watch it again. However, to be honest, Robert Ryan being the co-star is the reason why.
The Secret Fury is not out on DVD, nor is it on YouTube. TCM airs it every once in awhile, so you could catch it there. (Or just ask to borrow my copy...I'm happy to share with my classic movie friends.)
Happy viewing!!!