Cry Wolf (1947)
A classic thriller with intriguing twists
Released in 1947, Cry Wolf is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller that oozes old Hollywood charm. Directed by Peter Godfrey and starring the ever-dashing Errol Flynn alongside the powerhouse Barbara Stanwyck, this film goes headfirst into a world of deception, buried family secrets, and mind-bending psychological twists. While it may not have the blockbuster fame of other 1940s classics, Cry Wolf serves up a deliciously mysterious narrative that keeps you hooked and guessing till the very last frame.
One of the strongest aspects of Cry Wolf is its ability to sustain suspense. The screenplay, adapted from the novel by Marjorie Carleton, is filled with twists and turns that keep the audience engaged. Additionally, the film's exploration of psychological themes adds depth to what could have been a straightforward mystery. Questions of trust, manipulation, and family loyalty are woven into the narrative, providing substance beyond surface-level thrills.
Peter Godfrey's direction is marked by a deliberate pacing that allows the tension to simmer rather than erupt. This approach may feel slow to some viewers, but it effectively mirrors the gradual unveiling of secrets within the story. Godfrey skillfully uses shadows and confined spaces to create a sense of claustrophobia, enhancing the psychological aspects of the narrative.
Barbara Stanwyck’s portrayal of Sandra Marshall captures the determination and emotional vulnerability of a woman seeking answers in an environment filled with hostility and mistrust. Stanwyck's ability to convey strength and subtlety ensures that her character remains relatable and sympathetic throughout the film.
Errol Flynn, known for his swashbuckling roles in adventure films, takes a surprising turn as the enigmatic Mark Caldwell. Flynn's ability to balance charisma with an air of menace makes Caldwell an intriguing figure whose intentions remain ambiguous until the climactic revelations.
Set against the eerie and grandiose backdrop of a sprawling mansion, the story begins when Sandra Marshall drops a bombshell on Mark Caldwell, revealing she secretly tied the knot with his nephew, Jim Demarest, who has sadly passed away. With a marriage license in hand, Mark is dumbfounded as he never heard a whisper about it from Jim. Sandra dishes out the juicy details of Jim’s mother's will: Jim's wealth was locked in a trust until he turned thirty or got married. She admits that she married him to access the funds for her education, planning to split after six months, but fate had other plans at five months. Now, Sandra is on the brink of inheriting a staggering two million dollars!
That night at dinner, Sandra meets the spirited Julie, Jim's younger sister, who doesn’t hesitate to express her frustration with Mark for snooping into a heartfelt letter from Ronnie Manning, the boy she secretly adores. During their conversation, Sandra uncovers intriguing details: Mark’s meddling in Jim's previous engagement and the peculiar circumstances surrounding Jim's death. Sandra is further puzzled by the strict control Mark exercises over Julie, who is forbidden from leaving the estate and constantly shadowed by servants, creating an atmosphere of unsettling mystery.
That same night, Julie bursts into Sandra's room, trembling with fear and wide-eyed after hearing eerie cries coming from Mark's laboratory. Sandra tries to comfort her, but soon the unsettling sounds reach her ears as well. The next morning, Julie nervously reports the strange noises to Mark, though she conveniently skips mentioning her late-night visit to Sandra’s room. Mark, brushing it off with a charming but dismissive attitude, chalks it up to an overactive imagination. Later, when Sandra decides to snoop around Jim’s bedroom, she notices some odd clues: his pipes and sports gear are completely missing. Julie gets increasingly flustered at the thought her brother might still be alive, her emotions bubbling over into frantic questions. Mark, however, wastes no time—he locks Julie in her room and sternly warns Sandra to stop stirring up trouble.
Sandra, always the bold investigator, sneaks into the laboratory via the dumbwaiter, just in time to overhear Mark chatting with Jackson, one of the servants, about a mysterious lodge at Three Hills. Before she can piece things together, the tense night takes a dramatic turn—a piercing scream echoes through the estate. It's Julie, who has tragically fallen from her window. Mark insists it was an accident, but Sandra isn’t buying it. Armed with her own chilling experience of hearing screams in the dead of night, she challenges his version of events, refusing to let the truth stay buried.
Following Julie's funeral, Mark extends his apologies to Sandra for his earlier behavior, acknowledging her marriage to Jim with newfound respect. Sandra, ever curious and undeterred, takes a scenic horseback ride to the lodge at Three Hills, where she uncovers the startling truth—Jim is alive! Initially bewildered, Jim soon remembers Sandra and confides his daring plan to escape that very night, promising to rendezvous with her back at the estate. The stage is set for a thrilling twist!
Back at the house, Sandra wastes no time confronting Mark with the shocking truth about Jim being alive. Mark, ever the composed storyteller, reveals a family secret: Jim and Julie's father had a violent history of insanity, prompting their mother to lock away their inheritance in a trust. Turns out, Jim has been kept hidden because he killed someone in a fight—a scandal that could’ve derailed the political ambitions of Mark's brother, Charles. A hush-hush deal with a judge ensured Jim stayed out of sight. Mark also speculates that Julie must have pieced things together and, tragically, taken her own life. Just as this whirlwind of revelations wraps up, Jim himself bursts onto the scene, sparking a heated confrontation. Things escalate and, in the end, Jim is tragically met with his demise.
As all the chaos subsides, Mark and Sandra are left standing amidst the wreckage, exchanging glances that suggest more than just shared intrigue—could this be the spark of romance brewing amid the mansion's secrets? Wait, what?
In summary, Cry Wolf (1947) is a film that deserves more attention than it often receives. Its combination of strong performances, skillful direction, and atmospheric visuals make it a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy suspenseful dramas. While its pacing and predictability may not suit everyone's tastes, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
Whether you're a fan of classic Hollywood, a lover of mysteries, or simply looking for a film that keeps you guessing, Cry Wolf delivers an experience that is both engaging and memorable. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted storytelling and the talents of its cast and crew.
Cast:
Errol Flynn as Mark Caldwell
Barbara Stanwyck as Sandra Marshall
Geraldine Brooks as Julie Demarest
Richard Basehart as James Caldwell Demarest
Jerome Cowan as Senator Charles Caldwell
John Ridgely as Jackson Laidell
Patricia Barry as Angela
Rory Mallinson as Becket
Helene Thimig as Marta
Paul Stanton as Davenport
Barry Bernard as Roberts
Lisa Golm as Mrs. Laidell
Jack Mower as Watkins
Creighton Hale as Doctor Reynolds
Paul Panzer as Gatekeeper
Directed by:
Release Date: Aug 16, 1947
Production Company: Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.
Screenplay Information: Based on the novel Cry Wolf by Marjorie Carleton (New York, 1945)
Enjoy!
…Jill
Photo credits: TCM; IMBd; Wikimedia Commons
The Forks Part…
Transform your movie night into an affair of elegance and fun! Picture this: a glamorous dinner paired with a glass of your favorite bubbly and a side of golden, crispy sliced potatoes—pure sophistication with a playful twist! And the highlight of the evening? Recipes so delightfully simple yet irresistibly delicious, your taste buds might just throw a party.
Fun fact: this wonderful recipe comes from a cherished family friend who swears she picked it up from an old episode of The Dinah Shore Show!
Chicken Divan
What You Need:
4 boned cooked chicken breasts
1 10-oz package frozen broccoli (cook according to pkg directions)
1 10-oz can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon curry powder (optional)
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup soft bread crumbs tossed with 1 tablespoon melted butter
What To Do:
lightly grease 11x9 inch dish
mix together the soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder
put in drained broccoli, then chicken, then cover with the sauce mixture from step 2
top with cheddar cheese and the bread crumbs
bake at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) for 25 minutes.
Note: can be made earlier in the day and refrigerated: add 10 minutes to oven time
Crispy Sliced Potatoes
What You Need:
3 Russet baking potatoes
1 stick butter, melted
What To Do:
peel and slice potatoes
arrange potatoes in glass casserole dish
pour melted butter over top
bake at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) for 45 minutes or until desired crispiness
These two recipes are not only simple to prepare but also exceptionally delicious.
Bon appétit!