Repeat Performance (1947)
Hello lovelies! Anyone who knows me knows that I love films and television shows on the darker side of Old Hollywood. I love all film noirs, from the most well-known noirs, such as Double Indemnity (1944) and The Lady Shanghai (1947), to the ones that do not get as much recognition, such as Black Angel (1946) and Man Bait (1952). Usually, plenty of film noir and neo-noir movies are available on streaming services for November. Noirvember is celebrated on platforms such as Turner Classic Movies and Kanopy. If you are like me, miss watching the dark themes of film noir, and are not the biggest fan of traditional holiday films, I have good news for you! On Criterion Channel, one of the December themes includes "Holiday Noir," featuring a brilliant selection of film noirs set around Christmas and New Year's. I plan on watching all of the movies in this collection, and yesterday, I started with a film that has been on my watch list for a while called Repeat Performance (1947). This film has its flaws, but I found it to be enjoyable, and I recommend it to you! The ending really left an impression on me for the night.
Repeat Performance is a unique noir film that features elements of fantasy in this grim tale of a woman's desperation to have a happy home despite the destructive behavior of her husband.
Joan Leslie stars as Sheila Page, a theatrical actress married to Barney Page, played by Louis Hayward. Barney is an alcoholic, washed-up playwright who once wrote plays for Sheila.
Repeat Performance begins on New Year's Eve of 1946, right before the new year. We see Sheila shooting her husband and desperately seeking out the help of her friends, John Friday (Tom Conway), who is her producer, and William Williams (Richard Basehart), a friend who has recently escaped from a mental asylum. Desperately hoping she can redo events to prevent the tragic murder of her husband, time goes backward, allowing Sheila the opportunity to make different choices to change the outcome of the future.
Without giving too much away, we discover that Sheila's husband, Barney, is no good. When he drinks, he becomes unbearably cruel and constantly mocks Sheila as she kindly protests his excessive drinking. During a party that Sheila and Barney throw in their apartment, an English playwright named Paula Costello (Virginia Field) crashes the party, much to Sheila's dismay. Sheila goes to great lengths to try to prevent Paula and her husband from crossing paths to avoid the tawdry affair that began Barney's abuse and eventual attempt to murder Sheila. I must warn you before you watch Paula and Barney are insufferable.
Think of this film as a precursor to the hit television series The Twilight Zone (1959-1964). Repeat Performance explores several themes and questions on life. The essential question of the film is, "Is there a such thing as fate? If one makes different choices in life, will the results remain the same?" Repeat Performance also explores the fragility of marriage due to a husband's desire for power and toxic masculinity. The film showcases the troubles with alcoholism. In the first scene, we see Barney. He is sober, drinking ginger ale, is complimentary of his wife, and seems content in his marriage. When Barney drinks, we see him asserting himself, blaming Sheila for his shortcomings, and becoming increasingly verbally and physically abusive.
This film is beautifully shot by L. William O'Connell, who gets the essence of big cities, including New York City (the primary location) and Los Angeles. There are some fabulous close shots in specific moments (e.g., Sheila crying, a newspaper article on Sheila's performance, etc.) to capture the mood or spotlight a detail of the movie for the viewer. Sheila is repeating the performance theatrically and in her life, hoping to get both things right, and she runs off into the sunset with her wretched husband, Barney.
Oleg Cassini was the costume designer for this film, and boy, Sheila's 1940s wardrobe is to die for! Because we see her coming offstage from her performances into the drama of her life, her gowns are all over the top with glittering bustiers, fancy prints, and fur trim. I would love every single outfit she wears in the film. Her hair by Eunice King features a predominant down hairstyle, but Eunice also plays around with updos for Joan Leslie's character, pairing the do with an intricate hat.
If you want a cocktail or drink to pair with this film, I recommend a sparkling Burgundy. I've never had one, but it is mentioned in the movie a few times. If you cannot find a bottle, I recommend a champagne cocktail! And finally, if you are looking for a jazzy, film noir-inspired music playlist, I’ve got you covered!
If you've seen this film, let me know your thoughts!
I'll see you next week! xx