A Kiss Before Dying

A Kiss Before Dying, directed by Gerd Oswald, is a film noir adapted from Ira Levin's debut novel, about a college student seeking quick riches who gets a wealthy family's daughter pregnant and turns to murder when his plan unravels. Levin's novel was structured in three parts, the third introducing a third sister who ultimately catches the killer; the film cut this character entirely, simplifying the story. The use of the word "pregnant" in the film caused major controversy, cut from Chicago preview screenings, and the distributor was barred from using the word in advertising materials. The film received mixed reviews, with some critics finding its "mental cruelty" disturbing, while Variety praised it and singled out Joanne Woodward's performance. Levin's novel had won the 1954 Edgar Award; the film was remade in 1991 to weaker reviews. Who it's for: anyone curious about a bleak film noir adapted from Ira Levin's award winning debut novel, made in a 1950s America where even the word "pregnant" was censored. Who it's not for: those wanting a scene for scene faithful adaptation, since the film entirely cuts the novel's three part structure and its third sister character.