Groundbreaking film from 1948. When it was released the topic of mental illness and psychiatric hospitals was not mentioned in polite company...they were dumping grounds for troubled people of all sorts who were kept hidden from public view. This film was a serious attempt to depict realistically what went on inside these places.
Brilliant performance by OdH...easily the best reason the film holds up so well today. She slides from one mental state to another mercurially while never overacting or alienating the viewer. The staff isn't demonized...they seem to be trying to help the patients even though they have no idea what will work.
This was an intelligent treatment of a taboo subject and showed courage and commitment by all concerned.
7
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