Leave Her to Heaven. 1945. USA. Directed by John M. Stahl. Screenplay by Jo Swerling, based on the novel by Ben Ames Williams. With Vincent Price, Gene Tierney, Cornel Wilde. DCP. 110 min.
In Stahl’s story of obsessive love and envy, novelist Richard and socialite Ellen meet on a train out West. Ellen already has a fiancé back home, but that mere fact does little to deter her passion for Richard. Ellen falls deeply in love with Richard and must possess him completely...or else. Because she cannot envision a child as a part of their relationship, Ellen throws herself down a set of stairs in order to terminate her pregnancy. It’s clear that Ellen is a psychopath, but she’s so beautiful and endearing that those around her either overlook or forgive her trespasses.