Directed by James V. Kern and produced by Mort Briskin, The Second Woman is a moody, psychological film noir that blends romantic suspense with a creeping sense of paranoia. Set against the windswept cliffs of Monterey, California, the film stars Robert Young and Betsy Drake in a tale of grief, obsession, and unraveling sanity.
Plot Summary
Architect Jeff Cohalan (Robert Young) is haunted by the death of his fiancée Vivian Sheppard, who died in a mysterious car crash the night before their wedding. Since then, Jeff’s life has spiraled into misfortune—his horse is injured, his dog poisoned, and his dream home burned down. He begins to suspect he’s cursed… or being sabotaged.
Enter Ellen Foster (Betsy Drake), a perceptive and compassionate woman who becomes romantically involved with Jeff. As she digs into his past, she uncovers a sinister plot: Jeff’s business partner Ben Sheppard, Vivian’s father, blames Jeff for her death and is secretly trying to destroy him. The truth leads to a violent confrontation, mistaken identity, and a final reckoning that frees Jeff from his torment.
Cast Highlights
- Robert Young as Jeff Cohalan
- Betsy Drake as Ellen Foster
- John Sutton as Keith Ferris
- Florence Bates as Aunt Amelia
- Henry O’Neill as Ben Sheppard
- Jean Rogers, Jason Robards Sr., and Steven Geray in supporting roles
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
- The film was shot on location in Monterey, adding a windswept, coastal atmosphere to the noir tone
- Robert Young’s character attempts suicide in the film by running his car in a closed garage—eerily mirroring Young’s real-life suicide attempt decades later
- The film fell into the public domain, resulting in many low-quality VHS and DVD releases
- The roses mentioned in the film—Matador floribundas—are fictional; the real variety wasn’t introduced until 1972
- This was the final film role for Jean Rogers, who retired to raise her family
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