“Dead Ringer” (1964) starring Bette Davis, Karl Malden & Peter Lawford / Z-View

Dead Ringer (1964)

Director: Paul Henreid

Screenplay: Albert Beich, Oscar Millard; based on The Other aka Dead Pigeon by Rian James

Stars: Bette Davis, Karl Malden, Peter Lawford, Philip Carey, Jean Hagen, George Macready, Estelle Winwood, George Chandler, Cyril Delevanti, Monika Henreid, Ken Lynch, Henry Beckman and Bert Remsen.

Tagline: Mirror, mirror, on the wall, now who’s the fairest twin of all?

The Plot…

For nearly two decades, twin sisters Margaret and Edith (Davis) haven’t spoken.  Their friendship ended when Margaret cheated with Edith’s fiancé Frank DeLorca.  To add insult, Margaret faked being pregnant and married the extremely wealthy man.

So Margaret got the life of luxury.  Money, a mansion, maids and a butler.  Edith barely got by.  With each passing year Edith has grown more bitter.

So when Edith sees a funeral notice for Frank, she decides it is time for revenge.  Edith and Margaret are identical sisters.  No one can tell them apart by looking.  So if Edith killed Margaret and took her place who would know?

Who would know indeed.  The best laid plans…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Director Paul Henreid is best known as the actor who played Laszlo in Casablanca.

Dead Ringer (1964) rates 4 of 5 stars.