by Ted Davis

Directed by: Max Ophuls

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: At the turn of 19th century Vienna, forlorn beauty Lisa Berndle (Joan Fontaine) writes a last long letter to full-time charming wastrel, part-time concert pianist Stefan Brand (Louis Jordan), documenting her overriding and complete obsession with him since she was a lonely adolescent. After reading the letter and realizing the the magnitude of Lisa’s devotion, Stefan undergoes a sort of epiphany, which will change the course of his life.

Purr Blur: Accompanying her mother (Mady Christians) and new stepfather (Howard Freeman) on the journey to their new home in Linz, Lisa bolts from the train station in a panic and rushes back to Stefan’s apartment, where she experiences a humiliating realization. On Lisa’s way, as she hurries over a cobblestone street, a young and solitary cat looks as if it is going to cross her path, then pauses before continuing behind her.

Final Mewsings: Cats are accustomed to being the objects of obsession.

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