One of the iconic classic mysteries, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers stars Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin, Lizabeth Scott, Judith Anderson, Roman Bohnen, and introduces a new young actor in his first film: Kirk Douglas. In the start of the movie, Janis Wilson plays young Barbara Stanwyck. She feels oppressed by her rich aunt, Judith Anderson, and is tempted to run away with her friend Darryl Hickman, a poor, young kid who often gets in trouble. She stays home, and grows close to her other childhood friend, Mickey Kuhn. Many years later, the children are grown, and Van Heflin returns home to find things changed. He's still the same boy who came from the wrong side of the tracks, but Barbara Stanwyck is wealthy, powerful, and married to Kirk Douglas. While there's some tension crackling between Barbara and Van, he also becomes enamored with bad-girl Lizabeth Scott.John Patrick's story and Robert Rossen's screenplay are riveting, and Barbara Stanwyck is always fantastic, especially in a multi-layered, antihero role. If you thought she was great in Double Indemnity, you'll be blown away by this film. Kirk Douglas is wonderful, and that's not even giving him credit for giving such a performance in his first movie! He's known now for his tough guy roles, but in The Strange Love of Martha Ivers, he's the absolute opposite of every role he played since. He's weak and leans on symbolic crutches to get him through life. He doesn't show an ounce of physical prowess, and he's completely convincing as having never done a day's work in his life. Ironically, the main character and his love interest-Van and Lizabeth-are the worst parts of the movie. Van is supposed to be magnetic, hunky, and the type of guy you'd want to turn to when you're in trouble. Lizabeth is supposed to be trustworthy and easy to root for. I didn't think either actor pulled off those requirements. Still, it's an entertaining movie to watch, for the story and the other actors. Perfect for a dark night, a fire, and a blanket to cuddle up with!Kiddy warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, in the beginning, Judith Anderson beats a cat to death, so I wouldn't let my kids watch this movie.

Three kids share a childhood secret involving the murder of a cruel aunt. Many years later, their paths cross once again as adults. Sam Masterson (Van Heflin) returns to him hometown to find that his childhood friends Martha Ivers (Barbara Stanswyck) and Walter O Neil (Kirk Douglas) are now the power couple that rules over the town. Old passions are reignited when Martha who always had a crush on Sam tries to seduce him. The alcoholic Walter tried to stop their affair. Even though Sam falls in love with a hard drinking traveling blonde (Lizbeth Scott), the power couple draw him back into their web of hatred and jealousy. The film ends quite tragically (not for Sam) when after a triangular stand off, the power couple commit suicide.The Strange Love of Martha Ivers was painfully boring. Milkos Roza's loud and dramatic score ruined the film completely. But the film would have been painful to watch even without the score. The play like quality of the film does not help at all. I found myself wishing that some of the long drawn out scenes would simply end. But they just go and on. I am not sure why this film is classified as noir. It does not feature any of the brilliant noir cinematography, plot twists or clever dialog. Is it because Barbara Stanswyck plays a femme fatale? Probably.Van Heflin who played overtly decent characters in both Shane and 3:10 to Yuma gets the macho role of Sam Masterson for a change. And he does a good job with it. While Kirk Douglas plays the alcoholic wuss of a District Attorney. Barbara Stanswyck who played the murderous femme fatale in the film's title was strangely unsexy. Maybe it had to do with the fact that she was fully cloaked while her hairstyle was matronly. Lizbeth Scott does lend some erotic relief.

Despite its length (115 minutes), "The Strange Love Of Martha Ivers" is absorbing all the way. It's a film noir that occasionally crosses over into psychological drama. It develops the characters, who are never mere "types"; they are complex, conflicted, unsure of what they want, and of what the other characters want. The cast is exceptional; even Janis Wilson as the young Stanwyck is an inspired choice. Judith Anderson makes a strong impression in just one scene, and it's hard to believe this was the first time Kirk Douglas appeared in front of the camera. I do get the feeling that the ending might have been different if the film was made about 15 years later, when the Production Code which demanded that sinners should ultimately pay for their sins was beginning to loosen up. *** out of 4.

It's 1928 Iverstown, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Ivers runs the town and dominates her niece Martha Ivers. She tries to run off with Sam Masterson from the poor side of town but is betrayed by friend Walter O'Neil. Sam comes back to see Martha. Her aunt starts beating her cat and she hits her aunt sending her down the stairs to her death. Martha lies and Walter backs up her lie. They think Sam had witnessed it. He rides the circus train out of town. It's 1946. Martha (Barbara Stanwyck) is now married to district attorney Walter (Kirk Douglas). He's advancing in politics. She's the cold, ruthless owner of most of the town. He's haunted by the man hung for her aunt's death but she callously dismisses his fears. He's hopelessly in love with her but she does not reciprocate. Sam is now a drifter, gambler, and veteran. He has a car accident while passing through town and gets involved with Toni Marachek. She's thrown in jail for violating parole. He asks Walter for help but Walter wonders if he wants more.Screen legends Barbara Stanwyck and Kirk Douglas are together but Van Heflin and Lizabeth Scott are equal co-leads. This is Douglas' debut. Stanwyck comes in after thirty minutes. Their combination has an electricity. Van Heflin has a blander character actor look. Scott has an angular beauty that works well with old fashion noir. Their chemistry isn't quite as electric and their side of the story is less compelling. For fans of movie stars, this sparks whenever the legends get to play. I would have preferred less melodrama and more noir. Douglas is terrific with his twists and turns. His scenes are the best.