Kind Lady (1951)

Mrs. Herries, a rich woman with a tender heart, takes an interest in struggling artist Henry Elcott. When his wife collapses outside of Mrs. Herries's home, she is immediately invited to convalesce in one of the spare rooms. And that's all Elcott needs to make himself at home and for Mrs. Herries to understand the dangerous situation she's now in.

The tone of the film is perfect: at first it feels like it might be a heartwarming Christmas film. Everything's right in this woman's world -- she's loved and respected. But, once it's suggested that her mind is no longer her own? Arguments or screams to the contrary just seem to prove the allegation all the more. Even those who knew her well can only shake their head in sad acceptance. Nasty little story, but it's well-told and got to me.

B-