Ladies in Retirement (1941)

83% of users liked it
(70 ratings)

In this taut, creepy melodrama, a housemaid works as the companion of an aging, retired British actress. One day the maid (Ida Lupino) is visited by her two looney half sisters. The actress finds the slightly mad sisters intolerable and demands that they leave. Unfortunately, the maid realizes that… More In this taut, creepy melodrama, a housemaid works as the companion of an aging, retired British actress. One day the maid (Ida Lupino) is visited by her two looney half sisters. The actress finds the slightly mad sisters intolerable and demands that they leave. Unfortunately, the maid realizes that if the sisters are sent away they will end up involuntarily committed to an insane asylum and so the maid kills the actress and lets the sisters stay. Things go well until a suspicious relative shows up and starts to investigate. Nominated for Oscars for Best Interior Decoration and Best Score, Ladies in Retirement is based upon a stage play that was in turn based upon the true story from 1886. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 32 min.
Directed By: Charles Vidor
Genres: Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

In Theaters: Sep 9, 1941 Wide

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
This gothic melodrama is well-crafted and involving.

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Ida Lupino's self professed favorite of her films is a little known but wonderfully atmospheric drama with Ida, Elsa and Edith all terrifically balmy in their own ways.
Audrey L

This movie should have a poster!!! A wonderfully atmospheric noire film-the beauty of black and white cinematography is breathtaking and makes for great atmosphere. Why is this film so unknown? Highly recommend it.I watched it last night and can't wait to see it again. <div… More
This movie should have a poster!!! A wonderfully atmospheric noire film-the beauty of black and white cinematography is breathtaking and makes for great atmosphere. Why is this film so unknown? Highly recommend it.I watched it last night and can't wait to see it again. <div style="width:85px;"><a href="http://www.flixster.com/photos/11983060"><img src="http://content6.flixster.com/photo/11/98/30/11983060_gal.jpg" border="0"/></a><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10px;"><a href="http://www.flixster.com">Flixster</a> - Share Movies</div></div>