Lightning Strikes Twice (1951)

In the captivating film "Lightning Strikes Twice," renowned actress Shelley Carnes (Ruth Roman) embarks on an exhilarating vacation to a dude ranch, only to find herself entangled in a web of intrigue and danger that surpasses her wildest expectations. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with the enigmatic Richard Trevelyan (Richard Todd), a ranch owner whose dark past is shrouded in allegations of murder. Despite narrowly escaping the gallows for the alleged murder of his first wife Loraine, Richard's mysterious aura and tarnished reputation fail to deter Shelley from falling headlong into a whirlwind of passion. As Shelley delves deeper into the enigmatic world of Richard, she uncovers a complex tableau of relationships and secrets. She discovers a competing dude ranch run by J.D. (Frank Conroy) and Myra Nolan (Kathryn Givney), whose close ties to Richard stir a sense of foreboding. The ranch's caretakers, Liza McStringer (Mercedes McCambridge) and her brother String (Darryl Hickman), add further layers to the mystery, as their idiosyncrasies hint at secrets that are yet to be revealed. Drawn to the allure of the unknown, Shelley ventures to Trevelyan's ranch, where she encounters Richard as a brooding figure, teetering on the edge of despair. Amidst the tension, however, a spark of romance flickers, and a hasty marriage ensues. But their marital bliss soon turns sinister, as Richard's unpredictable behavior and a chilling encounter with a giant spider hint at his murderous potential. The plot thickens when Shelley crosses paths with Harvey Turner (Zachary Scott), a friend of the Nolans who first appears to be a romantic rival, only to reveal himself as an ally in her quest for the truth. The climax of this gripping narrative arrives when Shelley learns that the real murderer is not her new husband, but the jealous and vengeful Liza. A high-speed chase ensues, ending in a fatal crash, leaving Shelley, Richard, and the audience to pick up the pieces of this riveting mystery. "Lightning Strikes Twice" weaves a tale of love, suspicion, and betrayal, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the twists and turns of this gripping cinematic journey.

Lightning Strikes Twice is a crime movie featuring Ruth Roman.

Lightning Strikes Twice is currently streaming on TCM.