The Second Woman 1950
"Not since 'SPELLBOUND' such a masterpiece of suspense!"
Step into the shadowy world of *The Second Woman (1950)*, a gripping drama-mystery directed by James V. Kern. The film unfolds like a Hitchcockian nightmare, beginning with a *Rebecca*-inspired frame that draws viewers into Ellen Foster's unsettling journey.
Director: James V. Kern
Cast
Robert Young
Jeff Cohalan
Betsy Drake
Ellen Foster
John Sutton
Keith Ferris
Florence Bates
Amelia Foster
Morris Carnovsky
Dr. Raymond Hartley
Henry O'Neill
Ben Sheppard
Jean Rogers
Dodo Ferris
Raymond Largay
Maj. Badger
Shirley Ballard
Vivian Sheppard
Jason Robards Sr.
Stacy Rogers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Second Woman (1950) about?
*The Second Woman* follows Ellen Foster, a young woman who visits her aunt along the California coast and meets her mysterious neighbor, Jeff Cohalan. Their budding relationship is overshadowed by a series of unexplained accidents plaguing Jeff, leaving Ellen—and the audience—wondering if he's being hunted or losing his grip on sanity. The film blends romance with creeping dread, all wrapped in a psychological mystery.
Who directed The Second Woman?
The Second Woman was directed by James V. Kern, a filmmaker known for his work in mid-century dramas and comedies.
Who stars in The Second Woman?
The film stars Robert Young as Jeff Cohalan, Betsy Drake as Ellen Foster, John Sutton, Florence Bates, and Morris Carnovsky.
Is The Second Woman (1950) worth watching?
As a lesser-known but atmospheric drama-mystery, *The Second Woman* offers a captivating blend of suspense and psychological tension. While it may lack the polish of bigger studio productions, its noir-inspired mood and strong performances make it a rewarding watch for fans of 1950s intrigue. If you enjoy slow-burn mysteries with a touch of romance, this film is worth discovering.
How long is The Second Woman?
The Second Woman has a runtime of 91 minutes.
About The Second Woman (1950) — A 1950s Drama-Mystery of Paranoia and Romance
Step into the shadowy world of *The Second Woman (1950)*, a gripping drama-mystery directed by James V. Kern. The film unfolds like a Hitchcockian nightmare, beginning with a *Rebecca*-inspired frame that draws viewers into Ellen Foster's unsettling journey. While staying with her aunt on California's rugged coastline, Ellen encounters her enigmatic neighbor Jeff Cohalan, whose ultramodern cliffside home becomes both a magnet and a menace. As inexplicable accidents plague Jeff—ranging from minor mishaps to near-fatal incidents—Ellen is torn between attraction and suspicion. Is Jeff the victim of cruel fate, a target of unseen forces, or something far more sinister? The film masterfully blurs the line between paranoia and reality, wrapping its characters in an atmosphere thick with dread and psychological tension. With its claustrophobic settings and moral ambiguity, *The Second Woman* explores themes of trust, isolation, and the fragility of the human psyche.
Robert Young and Betsy Drake deliver compelling performances as the leads, their chemistry fraught with unease. The noirish visuals and moody score heighten the suspense, making every glance and whispered warning feel like a ticking time bomb. Kern's direction ensures that the audience, like Ellen, is left questioning what's real—and whether love can survive in a world where trust is a luxury. A forgotten gem of mid-century suspense, this film lingers long after the credits roll.
