Dead Ringer (1964)

Dead Ringer
Directed by Paul Henreid
Written by Albert Beich and Oscar Millard from a story by Rian James
1964/USA
Warner Bros.
First viewing/Netflix rental

[box] Edith Phillips: [as her wealthy identical twin sister Margaret inspects Edith’s dingy apartment, Edith says sarcastically to her] A dump?[/box]

Bette Davis never ever lost her acting chops.

Margaret De Lorca and Edith Phillips are identical twins (both played by Davis).  Margaret is a wealthy socialite and Edith owns a working-class saloon.  The sisters were estranged for 20 years after Margaret stole Edith’s man away from her.  They meet again at the husband’s funeral.  Margaret invites Edith home where Edie eventually learns that Margaret faked the pregnancy that caused Edie’s boyfriend to marry Margaret.  Infuriated, Edie lures Margaret to the saloon, murders her and switches identities.

It is not so easy for Edie to navigate a life as complicated as Margaret’s was.  Things get even worse when she meets up with Margaret’s caddish lover (Peter Lawford).  With Karl Malden as Edie’s policeman boyfriend.

There are some gruesome moments but basically this is less like Baby Jane and more like a throwback to some of Davis’s “women’s pictures” of the 40’s and 50’s.  She is very good in the dual roles, giving each sister a distinct personality and look.  There’s some fun in-jokes as well.  I loved all the stuff about smoking.