Payment on Demand (1951)

Amidst the opulence and grandeur of her life, Joyce Ramsey stands as a fierce matriarch in a household that includes her lawyer husband David, their young adult daughter Diana, and teenaged daughter Martha. Born from humble beginnings, Joyce's relentless pursuit of wealth, prestige, and security has shaped everything in their lives, their current affluence rooted in a deceitful seed of a white lie Joyce once told to secure David's struggling legal career. This falsehood, which came at the cost of a friend's trust, was the first step in their climb up the social ladder, a path Joyce never hesitated to tread. Unbeknownst to Joyce, her actions have slowly eroded David's affection for her, leading to a shocking twist when he suddenly requests a divorce, claiming he no longer loves her. Left in the dark about his reasons, Joyce grapples with the notion of his possible infidelity, an idea implanted by her friends. This uncertainty propels her into a journey of self-discovery, where she begins to reflect on significant moments in their marriage. As Joyce peels back the layers of their shared history, investigates David's suspected infidelity, and confronts a future devoid of his love, she begins to perceive the true cost of her relentless ambition. All the while, she is haunted by the echoes of the innocent love they once shared. This newfound perspective may well determine how she responds to David's demand for divorce, offering a poignant exploration of love, ambition, and the sacrifices made in their name.

Payment on Demand is a drama movie featuring Bette Davis and directed by Curtis Bernhardt.

It is possible to buy Payment on Demand on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.