Angel Face (1953)

Set against the backdrop of affluent Beverly Hills, the suspenseful story of Angel Face (1953) unravels. Engulfed in the opulence of the Tremayne mansion, Frank Jessup, a skilled mechanic and ambulance driver, is called to assist the millionaire Mrs. Catherine Tremayne, who is mysteriously poisoned with gas. However, Frank's life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters the enticing and refined Diane Tremayne, Catherine's twenty-year-old stepdaughter, who relentlessly pursues him. Their chance meeting spins into a whirlwind of late-night escapades, from charming restaurants to bustling nightclubs, as Diane's infatuation for Frank intensifies. As Frank's girlfriend Mary Wilton is pushed to the periphery, the allure of a better life tempts him to leave his humble dreams of opening a garage behind. He finds himself manipulated into becoming the Tremayne's personal chauffeur, a decision that thrusts him further into Diane's sphere of influence. Diane's veneer of sweetness hides a venomous hatred for her stepmother, a fact Frank discovers too late. When a fatal car accident claims the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Tremayne, the spotlight of suspicion falls on Diane and Frank. As they stand accused of murder, their freedom hangs in the balance, hinging on the tactical brilliance of their defense attorney, Fred Barrett. Intriguing and captivating, Angel Face weaves an intricate tale of seduction, deception, and suspense. As Frank becomes entangled in Diane's web of schemes, he finds himself in a perilous situation, one from which escape seems impossible. This tale of love and betrayal will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, questioning the innocence of the characters until the very end.

Angel Face is a crime movie featuring Robert Mitchum and directed by Otto Preminger.

Angel Face is currently streaming on TCM.