Gaslight Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dude tries to find some jewels by convincing his wife she’s crazy and making the lights flicker, but a nosy neighbor remembers a crime from years ago and ruins everything.

🍿 Gaslight: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Murder and a Vacant House

The film opens with the brutal murder of Alice Barlow in her London home at 12 Pimlico Square. The murderer is after her valuable rubies, but he doesn’t find them before fleeing, leaving the house vacant for twenty years. The crime is a significant event, creating an atmosphere of unease and setting the stage for future events.

A New Couple Moves In

Twenty years later, Paul and Bella Mallen move into the long-empty house. Bella begins to experience strange occurrences, such as misplaced items and flickering gaslights. Her husband, Paul, attributes these events to her fragile mental state, causing her to doubt her sanity.

Gaslighting and Isolation

Paul increasingly isolates Bella, convincing her she is losing her mind. He manipulates her perceptions, leading her to question her memory and reality. His actions are designed to control her and hide his secrets. This “gaslighting” is a central theme of the movie.

A Suspicious Detective

B.G. Rough, a former police constable who worked on the original Barlow case, recognizes Paul Mallen as someone connected to the murder. He begins to investigate Paul, suspecting he is not who he claims to be. With the help of Bella’s cousin, Vincent Ullswater, Rough aims to uncover the truth behind Paul’s deception.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Paul Mallen (Anton Walbrook): The manipulative husband who gaslights his wife in search of hidden jewels.
• Bella Mallen (Diana Wynyard): The fragile wife who is psychologically tormented by her husband and made to question her sanity.
• Rough (Frank Pettingell): A retired policeman who suspects Paul Mallen of foul play and investigates his past.
• Nancy (Cathleen Cordell): The opportunistic parlor maid who is manipulated and used by Paul to further torment Bella.
• Ullswater (Robert Newton): Bella’s cousin who is initially suspicious of Paul and concerned for Bella’s well-being.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Paul Mallen: “Are you sure you’re well, Bella? You seem rather… agitated.” – Paul manipulates Bella by questioning her sanity and suggesting she is unwell, contributing to her growing self-doubt.
• B.G. Rough: “I really am a remarkable man. It’s my memory. They shall have it for the museum when I die.” – Rough makes a boastful statement about his excellent memory, which is key to unraveling Paul’s deception.
• B.G. Rough: “You’re supposed to be going off your head, aren’t you?” – Rough says this to Bella after explaining to her that her husband is trying to drive her crazy.

💰Box Office

• Budget: Unknown
• Domestic Gross: Unknown
• Worldwide Gross: Unknown

💥 Gaslight Reviews

Personal Review

I recently watched “Gaslight” (1940) and found it to be a compelling thriller. The tension builds beautifully. Diana Wynyard’s performance as Bella is heartbreaking. I felt genuine fear for her as her husband chipped away at her sanity. The stark black and white cinematography enhances the eerie atmosphere. The story had me at the edge of my seat. This is one of my favorites now!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in psychological dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate suspenseful, character-driven stories”
  • “Movie buffs interested in early film noir techniques”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Psychological manipulation”
  • “Domestic abuse themes”
  • “Murder”
  • “Claustrophobic atmosphere”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB User Review: “Taut and suspenseful, this British production is more streamlined than the MGM version. Diana Wynyard is lovely and Anton Walbrook is appropriately sinister. A recommended watch for fans of suspense.
• IMDB User Review: “The original is recognisably English, giving it a grounded reality the remake lacks. Anton Walbrook’s portrayal of the villain is truly vile, adding to the electric tension. A must-see!
• IMDB User Review: “A crisp thriller with a solid villain and dynamic mood that keeps you glued to your seat. It is a film that can be shown to friends as value can be seen in this production.

Audience Reactions

Walbrook’s performance is terrifying.: Viewers agree that Walbrook makes you truly hate the evil Paul Mallen.

It is a great thriller.: Most people have compared it to a more popular and newer version, though most people can also say that it is a thrilling film.

Overall Consensus: A tense and well-acted thriller that offers a chilling look at manipulation and psychological abuse, though some prefer the more well known remake.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “MGM famously tried to suppress this 1940 version of ‘Gaslight’ after they remade it in 1944 with Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer, buying up the rights and attempting to destroy all existing prints to avoid competition.”
• “The film is based on the play ‘Angel Street’ by Patrick Hamilton, which was a hit in both London and New York.”
• “Director Thorold Dickinson’s skillful direction created a genuinely suspenseful atmosphere despite the film’s low budget and limited sets.”

🖥️ How to Watch Gaslight?

As an older film, ‘Gaslight’ (1940) may be harder to find on mainstream streaming platforms. Check services like The Criterion Channel, or smaller platforms specializing in classic cinema. You might be able to find it for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or other digital retailers. Check your local library; many carry DVDs of older films. Keep an eye out on Turner Classic Movies (TCM) as well, as they often showcase films like this. Search online retailers such as Amazon or eBay for DVD copies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Gaslight, you might like these similar films:

• Gaslight (1944): A direct remake of the 1940 film with a bigger budget and Hollywood stars, exploring the same themes of psychological manipulation.
• Suspicion (1941): Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this film also features a wife who suspects her husband of plotting against her, creating suspense and paranoia.
• Rebecca (1940): Another Hitchcock classic from the same era, dealing with themes of psychological manipulation and a wife haunted by the secrets of her husband’s past.
• The Others (2001): A modern psychological thriller where the protagonist questions her sanity and reality, similar to the gaslighting themes in ‘Gaslight’.
• Diabolique (1955): French thriller about a man who plots to drive his wife insane

🛒 Gaslight Related Products

• Ingrid Bergman: A Life in Pictures: A photo book celebrating the life and work of Ingrid Bergman. It contains a lot of high-quality photos and is great for those who are a fan of older films.
• Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection: A collection of Sherlock Holmes stories that explores the character of the police constable.
• Vintage Victorian Style Home Decor: Antique Victorian-style clock to capture the essence of 19th-century elegance, adding an atmosphere that mirrors the movie.
• Gaslight [Blu-ray]: High-definition version of the Ingrid Bergman film, exploring the concept of a woman losing her mind, based on the same story.

🎧 Soundtrack

Gaslight features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Can-Can” – performed by Jacques Offenbach (Arranged by Richard Addinsell)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Cinema Classics: Gaslight – SNL

Ever wondered where the term ‘gaslighting’ comes from? This SNL sketch hilariously breaks down the movie ‘Gaslight’ that popularized the concept. It’s a super funny take, you’ve gotta check it out!

11 Warning Signs of Gaslighting in TANGLED

Did you know Disney’s Tangled is a great example of gaslighting? This video, by real therapists, breaks down how Mother Gothel manipulates Rapunzel, revealing all 11 signs of gaslighting. It’s surprisingly insightful and makes you see the movie in a whole new light!

✨ Rate