The Visit
Directed by Bernhard Wicki
Written by Ben Barzman and Maurice Valency from a play by Fredrich Durrenmatt
1964/Italy/France/West Germany/USA
Cinecitta/Dear Film Produzione/Deutsche Fox/Les Films de Siecle/Productions et Editions Cinematographique Francais/Twentieth Century Fox
First viewing/Amazon Instant

Heav’n has no Rage, like Love to Hatred turn’d,/ Nor Hell a Fury, like a Woman scorn’d. – William Congreve, The Mourning Bride

This mesmerizing tale of revenge is a strong candidate for the Best New to Me Films of 2018 list.

I came into the film knowing almost nothing about it and think that it will have most impact that way.  The story takes place in a small town in an unnamed country that uses both the Roman and Cyrillic alphabets. The town is putting on an enormous show to welcome the visit of Karla Zachanassian (Ingrid Bergman).  In the twenty years since she left town, she has become the richest woman in the world as the widow of “Mr. Petroleum”.  The City Council not so secretly hopes that she is bringing cash to the impoverished town.

It turns out Karla was not as appreciated when she was a resident.  Ultimately, as a teenager, she lost a paternity case against lover Serge Miller (Anthony Quinn) who bribed a couple of town boys to say she was promiscuous, leaving him free to marry for money.  She was driven out of town and forced into prostitution.  Now she has a burning lust for Miller’s blood.  Any money for the town will have strings attached. See it to find out how Karla manipulates the situation to achieve her ends.

It took me awhile to get used to the dubbing and larger-than-life situation and acting.  Once I did, this was a slow burn to a terrific climax.  The leads are magnificent.  Recommended.

The Visit was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Costume Design, Black and White.