The Locket (1946)

74% of users liked it
(147 ratings)

Setting something of a record for flashbacks within flashbacks, The Locket recounts the mental disintegration of bride-to-be Laraine Day. As a child, Day was accused of stealing a locket at a fancy party. She has spent her life getting even for this false accusation by becoming a kleptomaniac and… More Setting something of a record for flashbacks within flashbacks, The Locket recounts the mental disintegration of bride-to-be Laraine Day. As a child, Day was accused of stealing a locket at a fancy party. She has spent her life getting even for this false accusation by becoming a kleptomaniac and ruining the lives of those around her. She drives one man (Robert Mitchum) to suicide, and stands by as another man is executed for a murder which she has committed. Assuming her revenge on the world is complete when she becomes engaged to the son of the woman who'd accused her of thievery, Day is overtaken by the demons within her and collapses on the altar. The Locket is difficult to follow at times, especially when seen in commercialized chunks on the Late Late Show. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 26 min.
Directed By: John Brahm
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Dec 20, 1946 Wide

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A psychological drama about a woman with a dark secret from her childhood.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Stella D

on his wedding day to the seemingly ideal woman, john willis gets a visit from a mysterious man with a strange tale to tell. the structure of multiple nested flashbacks works very well and everyone is convincing, especially laraine day. i don't wanna give too much away here but… More
on his wedding day to the seemingly ideal woman, john willis gets a visit from a mysterious man with a strange tale to tell. the structure of multiple nested flashbacks works very well and everyone is convincing, especially laraine day. i don't wanna give too much away here but the ending is wrapped a little too neatly for my taste, otherwise pretty great!

Cast

            Laraine Day as Nancy Blair

            Brian Aherne as Dr. Blair

            Robert Mitchum as Norman Clyde

            Gene Raymond as John Willis

            Ricardo Cortez as Mr. Bonner

            Sharyn Moffett as Nancy age 10

            Henry Stephenson as Lord Wyndham

            Katherine Emery as Mrs. Willis

            Reginald Denny as Mr. Wendall

            Fay Helm as Mrs. Bonner

            Helene Thimig as Mrs. Monks

            Nella Walker as Mrs. Wendall

            Queenie Leonard as Woman Singer

            Lilian Fontaine as Lady Wyndham

            Myrna Dell as Thelma

            Mari Aldon as Mary

            Polly Bailey as Cook

            Tom Chatterton as Art Critic

            Kay Christopher as Bridesmaid

            Ellen Corby as Kitchen Girl

            Ben Erway as 2nd Willis Butler

            Sam Flint as District Attorney

            Charles Flynn as Photographer

            George Humbert as Luigi

            Martha Hyer as Bridesmaid

            J.W. Johnston as Man

            Virginia Kelly as Ambulance Driver

            Colin Kenny as Chauffeur

            Connie Leon as Bonner Maid

            Henry Mowbray as Doctor

            Leonard Mudie as Air Raid Warden

            Broderick O'Farrell as Minister

            Vivien Oakland as Mrs. Donovan

            Nancy Saunders as Miss Wyatt

            Wyndham Standing as Butler

            Nick Thompson as Waiter

            David Thursby as Dexter

            Cecil Weston as Nurse

            Frederic Worlock as Doctor

            Joe Ray as Photographer

            Tom Coleman as Stenotypist

            Keith Hitchcock as Orville

            Jean Ransome as Kitchen Girl

            Dorothy Curtis as Maid

            Carol Donell
            
            Gloria Donovan as Karen

            Pat Malone as London Bobby

            Allan Schute
            
            Bob Templeton as Photographer

            Trina Varela as Luigi's wife
See full cast