My Name Is Julia Ross
Directed by Joseph H. Lewis
Written by Muriel Roy Bolton from a novel by Anthony Gilbert
1945/USA
Columbia Pictures Corporation
First Viewing/YouTube
[box] Julia Ross: The next time I apply for a job, I’ll ask for *their* references.[/box]
This is an above-average “B” thriller with plenty of chills. Dame May Whitty is the standout.
Julia Ross (Nina Foch) is recovering from an operation that left her unemployed and behind on her rent. She has searched for work everywhere but has no luck until she spots a new employment agency in the paper. When she applies as a secretary, the main qualification for the position seems to be a lack of relatives or sweetheart. Julia qualifies and passes the interview with employer Mrs. Hughes (Whitty). She is surprised to find that it is a live-in situation and she is to move in that night.
After moving in, Julia is offered a refreshing cup of tea as a nightcap. When she wakes up, all her possessions and clothes have been destroyed and Mrs. Hughes and son Ralph (George Macready) are referring to her as Marion, Ralph’s wife. After another night of induced sleep, Julia finds herself with the mother and son in an isolated Cornwall house. Her tormenters easily convince the locals “Marion” is insane. Julia begins to fear for her life. Based on Ralph’s erratic behavior, it seems evident that her death might be unspeakable.
Dame May Whitty and George Macready make quite a team as the villains of the piece. Whitty is simply perfect – the lovable old lady that we know from so many pictures, with a secret heart of iron. The ending isn’t up to the rest of the film but still recommended for noir aficionados or anyone with a soft spot for Whitty. It’s only about an hour long and currently on YouTube.
Clip
