Valerie (1957)

In the turbulent aftermath of the American Civil War, a tale of passion, betrayal, and violence unfolds. Former Union Major, John Garth (Sterling Hayden), captivated by the allure of the beautiful settler Valerie (Anita Ekberg), embarks on a journey of matrimony, only for it to descend into an abyss of tragedy. The marriage, once blooming with promise, withers into a courtroom battle as both spouses stand on opposite ends of the truth. John, accused of critically injuring Valerie and cold-bloodedly murdering her parents (John Wengraf and Iphigenie Castiglioni), narrates a tale imbued with disillusionment. His account paints Valerie as an unfaithful wife, tangled in an intimate friendship with Reverend Blake (Anthony Steele). Frustration festers within him, fueled by her constant infidelity and the incessant nagging of her parents, ultimately driving him towards a path of violence. However, from her hospital bed, Valerie offers a starkly contrasting account. She speaks of a marital nightmare, a life marred by John's relentless brutality, and his unwarranted suspicion of Reverend Blake, who provided a beacon of friendship in her storm of misery. The narrative spins a web of suspense, leaving the audience questioning the truth and eager to unravel the mystery of this piteous marital saga. The film 'Valerie' (1957) is a captivating exploration of love's darker side, where the line between victim and villain becomes disturbingly blurred.

Valerie is a crime movie featuring Sterling Hayden and directed by Gerd Oswald.

Valerie is currently streaming on Epix Roku Premium Channel.