You thought Angela was hot in The Picture of Dorian Gray? Get Gaslight!

More often than not, the case is made that Hollywood's attempts at remaking films proves dire, and unnecessary. Yet, this is not always the result, as Gaslight (1944), proves. Based on Patrick Hamilton's 1938 play of the same name, it was published as a book in 1939, with the selfsame title, before its Broadway debut in 1941 as Angel Street. Nonetheless, Gaslight is basically a 'chick flic', as director Cukor's resume boasts other projects, such as Little Women (1933), David Copperfield (1935), and Camille (1936).

For the purist, this reviewed edition of the DVD also contains Gaslight (1940), the British production that MGM Studio's sought to destroy in it's entirety upon acquiring the rights to the film.

Though not nearly as lavish in its presentation, Gaslight (1940) does exude some elements to the story not apparent in the remake, and vice-versa. The cast and acting content in the 1944 version are of the highest caliber, and probably the best reason for viewing this film, the second being the Victorian thriller setting of the story.

Awards for this picture include an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress (Bergman), an Academy Award for Best Art Direction/Black & White, as well as nominations for Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor (Boyer), Best Supporting Actress (Landsbury), Best Film, Best Cinematography (Joseph Ruttenberg), and Best Screenplay.

Gaslight is the portrayal of Paula Alquist, whom is relocated to an Italian village, at a young age, following the murder of her wealthy Aunt Alice. There, she studies to become an Opera singer, under the same tutelage as her deceased benefactor. Paula, however, ends her studies to marry Gregory Anton (Boyer), and the couple returns to London, and the charming Townhouse her Aunt bequeathed to her.

Gregory soon moves all of Aunt Alice's furnishings to the attic, and begins to isolate Paula from the outside world, convincing her that she is paranoid and not well. Compounding this reasoning, is the young and flirtatious housemaid Nancy Oliver (Lansbury), whom does well in convincing Paula to keep within the confinements of her abode.

Anton often goes out alone, at night, and soon after, the light emitted by the gas lamps flickers, and footsteps are heard within the upstairs attic, which has been boarded off. Gregory is angered by Paula's accounts of strange occurrences from the attic, and counters her suspicions with his edict of Paula's mental condition.

Enter Brian Cameron (Cotton), an Agent of Scotland Yard, whom has his own theory regarding Anton. A fan of Aunt Alice from a young age, he reopens the unsolved case, and follows the matter to its conclusion.

Now, as this synopsis has been laid out, it may appear as some sort of contrived Harlequin romance novel, trite in story, and dripping in lovey-dovey sickening glee, but, there is much more to Gaslight, than that. For starters, the film boasts the talents of Boyer and Bergman, whose portrayals exceed any expectations of how far the thespian can transcend their art. The psychological foray into which these characters interact is the focal point of this entire drama, and their performances offer little compromise as the story unfolds.

Secondly, the film was shot by legendary cinematographer Joseph Ruttenberg, whose career saw no less than ten Academy Award nominations, with four wins. His catalog includes such classics as Fury (1936), Waterloo Bridge (1940), Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941), Mrs. Miniver (1942), Side Street (1949), Brigadoon (1954), Butterfield 8 (1960), as well as many more.

What makes this film of particular interest is the debut performance of one Angela Lansbury. Best known for her long run on Murder She Wrote (1984-1996), Angela has been nominated for numerous Emmy Awards, Academy Awards (for Best Supporting Actress), and won six Golden Globe Awards and five Tony Awards. Merely eighteen years of age at the making of this film, Angela is smoking hot as the nubile housemaid Nancy. If you thought Angela was hot in The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945), put that film away, and view Gaslight.

One year after the making of this movie, Angela wed actor Richard Cromwell, whom seniored the lovely actress by sixteen years. The marriage dissolved within a year, as Richard preferred Oysters over Clams. Though the two remained friends, she later wed actor Peter Shaw, formerly acquainted with actress Joan Crawford. The two remained together until Shaw's passing in 2003. Her son, Anthony Shaw, was a producer/director on her show, Murder, She Wrote, and her brother Bruce Lansbury, was the television producer for such classics as Mission: Impossible and The Wild, Wild West.

Viewers interested in taught thrillers and movies set in the Victorian bent, would do well to add Gaslight to their view list. If you at all apprehensive, try to rent it, but, this reviewer suggests buying this venture, as printings will probably dry up faster than the time it will take for you to make up your mind. Any true fan of Bergman or Boyer will undoubtedly purchase this escapade, as Gaslight is the penultimate pinnacle of their careers. Fan's obsessed with Angela Lansbury prior to her latter portrayal's would also benefit from procuring this pressing.