Recently watched: The Dark Mirror (1946). Tagline: “Twins! One who loves … and one who loves to kill!”
A nice way to remember
the great Olivia de Havilland (who died last month aged 104): the BBC recently
screened the 1946 psychological thriller The Dark Mirror in tribute (it might
still be on the iPlayer – check! It’s also viewable on YouTube). The Dark
Mirror is a real potboiler (albeit artfully directed by film noir maestro Robert
Siodmak), hardly one of the Golden Age Hollywood star’s most prestigious films
and I’m probably alone here, but this is my favourite performance by de
Havilland.
Or should I say “performances”? She portrays identical twins Terry
and Ruth Collins who are suspected of murder. Inevitably, one sister is good
and one evil. (This was a popular scenario at the time. De Havilland’s friend and
peer Bette Davis starred in not one but two variations of this theme). Terry
and Ruth aren’t just identical twins: even as adults, they also always wear identical
outfits and coiffures. (No one comments on how dysfunctional this is). Helpfully,
their choices in accessories occasionally distinguishes the sisters. They sometimes
wear necklaces that spell-out “Terry” or “Ruth” (anticipating the “Carrie” one
Sarah Jessica Parker used to wear on Sex in the City) or brooches in the shape
of “R” or “T”. But of course, this
jewelry can be used to mislead!
Anyway, de Havilland specialized in playing virtuous
women so it’s fascinating when (as the psycho killer twin) she uses her
familiar purring honeyed tones to gaslight, manipulate and spread malice, and
to see her serenely beautiful face twisted in rage. She’s so good it makes you
wish de Havilland played unsympathetic roles more often. She wouldn’t get
another opportunity again until Hush … Hush, Sweet Charlotte in 1964.
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