Although Marie Belloc Lowndes is best known for her psychological horror novel "The Lodger", she did write others with the emphasis on the why rather than the who!! "Letty Lynton" was one and "The Story of Ivy" written in 1928 was another. "Ivy" was a wonderful example of the elegance of some movies made in the post war Hollywood era. With a 120 day shooting schedule and a budget of $150,000 - $30,000 of which went toward the magnificent wardrobe of Joan Fontaine, the film finished 20 days ahead of schedule due to the professionalism of director Sam Wood and the meticulousness of art director William Cameron Menzies.
Ivy (Fontaine) is completely disenchanted with her weakling husband Jervis (Richard Ney), so much so that they have discussed divorce. He has managed to squander his whole inheritance and they are now reduced to living in shabby lodgings. We first see Ivy consulting a fortune teller (Una O'Connor) and she is ecstatic change and wealth are predicted for her. The seer neglects to inform Ivy that she also sees evil influences and terrible misfortune. Things improve instantly. By using her wiles on Mr. Rushworth (Herbert Marshall in a pretty thankless role) he gives Jervis a job in his office and Jervis grasps the opportunity to make good. Even though she is determined to become Mrs. Rushworth, she still has another person to dispose of - Dr. Gretorex (Patrick Knowles)!!!
Joan Fontaine had perfected her "little girl lost" look and it came to her aid in the scene where the police break the news that her husband didn't die of natural causes - he was poisoned!! "Was he insured? - No, he just had his job, don't worry about me, I'll get a job - You're a very brave woman"!!! However, Inspector Orpington (Sir Cedric Hardwicke) is having second thoughts about Ivy's involvement. Hoping to get rid of Gretorex as well, she lies on the witness stand and it is only vital evidence from his loyal old housekeeper (Sara Allgood) that keeps him from the gallows. Ivy has been given a beautiful bag with a secret compartment - just perfect for storing poison and it is the finding of the bag which culminates in the climax of this moody Edwardian thriller.
Olivia DeHavilland was originally assigned to play Ivy but after playing a murderess in "The Dark Mirror" was reluctant to play another so soon. Her sister Joan, already a bitter rival, stepped in and was perfect, even though she didn't like the movie personally.
Ivy (Fontaine) is completely disenchanted with her weakling husband Jervis (Richard Ney), so much so that they have discussed divorce. He has managed to squander his whole inheritance and they are now reduced to living in shabby lodgings. We first see Ivy consulting a fortune teller (Una O'Connor) and she is ecstatic change and wealth are predicted for her. The seer neglects to inform Ivy that she also sees evil influences and terrible misfortune. Things improve instantly. By using her wiles on Mr. Rushworth (Herbert Marshall in a pretty thankless role) he gives Jervis a job in his office and Jervis grasps the opportunity to make good. Even though she is determined to become Mrs. Rushworth, she still has another person to dispose of - Dr. Gretorex (Patrick Knowles)!!!
Joan Fontaine had perfected her "little girl lost" look and it came to her aid in the scene where the police break the news that her husband didn't die of natural causes - he was poisoned!! "Was he insured? - No, he just had his job, don't worry about me, I'll get a job - You're a very brave woman"!!! However, Inspector Orpington (Sir Cedric Hardwicke) is having second thoughts about Ivy's involvement. Hoping to get rid of Gretorex as well, she lies on the witness stand and it is only vital evidence from his loyal old housekeeper (Sara Allgood) that keeps him from the gallows. Ivy has been given a beautiful bag with a secret compartment - just perfect for storing poison and it is the finding of the bag which culminates in the climax of this moody Edwardian thriller.
Olivia DeHavilland was originally assigned to play Ivy but after playing a murderess in "The Dark Mirror" was reluctant to play another so soon. Her sister Joan, already a bitter rival, stepped in and was perfect, even though she didn't like the movie personally.