In a fancy oceanfront apartment, a sobbing woman screams to the man with her that she will go to the police. Shortly after making that threat, the woman steps onto the balcony---the man not far behind her---and within minutes has fallen to her death...or was she pushed?
The following morning, Lynn Markham (Joan Crawford) takes up residence in the beach house. A possession of her wealthy late husband, the house had been leased out, but with Lynn wanting to occupy the home, the previous tenant moved out the night before...or so Lynn's realtor, (Jan Sterling), tells her. She discovers later, when a detective (Charles Drake) comes around, that the tenant had died the previous night and that they're not sure whether it was an accident...or murder.
Lynn learns that a man named Drummond "Drummie" Hall (Jeff Chandler) has been keeping his boat tied at the dock of her apartment, a practice Lynn has no intention of continuing to allow. Drummie, a gigolo-type who was involved with the previous tenant, has been encouraged by his "keepers" to put the moves on the wealthy Mrs. Markham; therefore, refusing to allow himself to be so easily dismissed, he continues to hang around, and although his relationship with Lynn begins with animosity and anger, before long, they have fallen into a rather passionate affair.
Drummie's plan with Lynn---as it was with the previous tenant, Eloise---is to woo the widow, marry her, then get rid of her and help himself to her wealth. At least that was his original intent...what he didn't count on was falling in love with the woman. Suddenly, not wanting to scam her, he decides to leave his gigolo ways behind him and live an honest, upstanding life. But does he really love her? Or is that just part of the deception? And what about Lynn, who has discovered the previous tenant's diary and learned of Drummie's seduction of her and his attraction to her money? Can she trust his profession of love? Or does she need to fear for her life? These are the questions which will play out in the balance of this film.
Female on the Beach was a tremendously exciting and interesting film, and I found it quite suspenseful (in a non-scary sort of way). While this was my first exposure to Jeff Chandler, the fact that I didn't know him really didn't matter to me---I was completely riveted by the storyline. His character isn't likeable at all, but again, that didn't matter to me. After all, people CAN change their ways, so I was willing to give him a chance. I couldn't wait to discover if he really had changed...or if he was still up to his same old tricks. As usual, Joan gives a top-notch performance. And, wow, she was 50 here...and still looking quite fabulous, as evidenced in those very short shorts. (I did think her makeup was a little harsh for her age.) Mr. Chandler played his part very well too and was completely convincing in his role. While I don't find him to be particularly attractive, there definitely was a virility which oozed from him, which I thought made him perfect for the part. The chemistry between him and Miss Crawford was terrific, with their love-hate passion igniting the screen.
While I don't believe this film is out on DVD, it is available in its entirety on YouTube (HERE), so if this film sounds interesting to you, try to catch it there.
Happy viewing!!
