“Whirlpool” directed by Otto Preminger in 1950 and starring Gene Tierney and Richard Comte. “A woman (Gene Tierney) secretly suffering from kleptomania is hypnotized in an effort to cure her condition. Soon afterwards, she is found at the scene of a murder with no memory of how she got there and seemingly no way to prove her innocence.” Gene Tierney is perfect in the role of a lost and neurotic woman ; it is a real psychological thriller.

“Niagara” directed by Henry Hathaway in 1953 and starring Marilyn Monroe and Joseph Cotten. “Polly and Ray Cutler (Peters and Max Showalter) are a young couple who are honeymooning at Niagara Falls. They meet Rose and George Loomis (Monroe and Cotten), a couple on the brink of break up. Shortly after, Rose announce to the Cutler the disparition of her husband but she has the bad surprise to discover at the morgue it is the body of her lover”. Marilyn is incredibly seductive and a real Femme fatale in this movie. In addition, there is a real suspense and the actors are great especially Joseph Cotten and off course Marilyn Monroe.

“The killers” directed by Robert Siodmak in 1954 and starring Ava Gardner and Burt Lancaster. “Two professional killers invade a small town and kill a gas station attendant, Ole Swede Anderson (Burt Lancaster), who’s expecting them. Insurance investigator Reardon pursues the case and uncovers a complex tale of treachery and crime, all linked with gorgeous, mysterious Kitty (Ava Gardner).” Ava Garder is a memorable Femme fatale ; the couple formed by her and Burt Lancaster is flamboyant. Besides, the black gown worn by Ava Gardner and designed by Vera West is splendid.

“The night of the hunter” directed by Charles Laughton in 1955 and starring Robert Mitchum. “A religious fanatic (Robert Mitchum) marries a gullible widow whose young children are reluctant to tell him where their real daddy hid $10,000 he’d stolen in a robbery.” Robert Mitchum is extraordinary as a cruel and evil man who is able to do anything for money, even hurt children. There is a amazing and scary scene, in which the children try to escape from him by taking a boat on the river.

“Les diaboliques” directed by Henri-Georges Cluzot in 1955 and starring Simone Signoret, Paul Meurice and Vera Clouzot. “The wife (Vera Clouzot) of a cruel headmaster (Paul Meurice) and his mistress (Simone Signoret) conspire to kill him, but after the murder is committed, his body disappears, and strange events begin to plague the two wome.” This film is outstanding and memorable. In addition, there is a suspense and a twist.

“Touch of evil” directed by Orson Welles in 1958 and starring Janet Leigh, Charlton Heston, Marlene Dietrich and Orson Welles. “In a border town, the investigation of a murder opposes Mike Vargas (Charlton Heston), a high-ranking police officer to the Police captain Hank Quinland (Orson Welles). Orson Welles is physically unrecognizable and is ready to do what it takes to defend his own interests.

Photo sources : imbd.com, pinterest.com  and allocine.com