Step into the haunting world of postwar suspense with A Woman’s Vengeance (1948), now meticulously colorized for a new generation of classic film lovers. Directed by Zoltán Korda and adapted for the screen by renowned novelist Aldous Huxley, this noir mystery drama brings together a powerhouse cast led by Charles Boyer, Ann Blyth, and Jessica Tandy. With its brooding atmosphere, psychological intrigue, and a plot that twists like a knife, this restored HD download is a must for fans of vintage crime and psychological thrillers.
At the heart of A Woman’s Vengeance is Henry Maurier (Charles Boyer), a well-to-do English gentleman whose life unravels after the death of his chronically ill wife, Emily (Rachel Kempson). Henry’s swift remarriage to the much younger Doris Mead (Ann Blyth) arouses suspicion, especially from Janet Spence (Jessica Tandy), a neighbor who has quietly loved Henry for years.
As whispers of infidelity and jealousy swirl, Emily’s death is ruled suspicious when traces of arsenic are found. The community turns against Henry, and he soon finds himself on trial for a murder he insists he did not commit. With the evidence mounting and his new marriage under strain, Henry faces not only the gallows but the bitter consequences of tangled relationships and vengeful hearts.
The film’s tension is heightened by a series of unforgettable scenes—stormy nights, tense confrontations, and a chilling courtroom showdown—that showcase the best of film noir’s visual style and psychological depth.
The ensemble cast delivers performances that elevate the film’s suspense and emotional stakes:
Charles Boyer as Henry Maurier, the embattled widower at the story’s center
Ann Blyth as Doris Mead, the youthful new wife whose innocence is in question
Jessica Tandy as Janet Spence, the spurned neighbor whose motives are as murky as the case itself
Cedric Hardwicke as Dr. James Libbard, the family physician whose testimony could seal Henry’s fate
Mildred Natwick as Nurse Caroline Braddock, whose suspicions help fuel the case against Henry
Rachel Kempson as Emily Maurier, the ill-fated first wife whose death sets the drama in motion
Supporting roles from Cecil Humphreys, Hugh French, and John Williams round out this richly drawn cast of characters.
A Woman’s Vengeance* is a masterful blend of noir, psychological suspense, and crime drama. With its shadowy cinematography and morally ambiguous characters, it stands as a prime example of late-1940s noir—where every motive is suspect and every smile may hide a secret.
Adapted from Aldous Huxley’s 1922 novelette The Gioconda Smile (also known in some markets as Il sorriso della Gioconda and Venganza de mujer), the film explores timeless themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the destructive power of suspicion. Huxley’s screenplay infuses the story with philosophical undertones, probing the nature of guilt, innocence, and the masks people wear.
Set in the shadow of World War II, the film’s atmosphere is thick with postwar anxiety and the shifting roles of men and women in society. The colorized restoration brings new vibrancy to its period details, from stately English manors to the storm-lashed countryside.
This colorized HD edition of A Woman’s Vengeance has been painstakingly restored, using advanced digital techniques to breathe new life into the film’s moody visuals. The process highlights the contrasts between light and shadow, drawing viewers deeper into the film’s world of suspicion and deceit. The result is a version that preserves the original’s noir sensibility while making it accessible to modern audiences.
Experience a classic noir drama in stunning color and HD clarity
Enjoy unforgettable performances from Charles Boyer and Jessica Tandy
Delve into a story of love, betrayal, and murder adapted by Aldous Huxley
Perfect for fans of classic crime, psychological thrillers, and vintage Hollywood
Director: Zoltán Korda
Screenplay: Aldous Huxley (from his story The Gioconda Smile)
Production: Universal International Pictures
Runtime: 96 minutes
Genre: Noir, Mystery, Drama, Psychological Suspense
Download Format: MP4, HD (1080p), compatible with all major devices
If you enjoy A Woman’s Vengeance, you may also like:
The Scapegoat
The Man on the Eiffel Tower
Portrait in Black
The Phantom of Crestwood
The Kiss Before the Mirror
Q: Is this the original black and white version?
A: No, this is a professionally colorized and restored HD edition.
Q: Who wrote the screenplay?
A: The screenplay was written by Aldous Huxley, based on his own story.
Q: What makes this film unique among noir dramas?
A: Its blend of psychological suspense, philosophical dialogue, and a focus on the destructive power of jealousy set it apart from more conventional crime mysteries.
Q: Can I watch this on my smart TV?
A: Yes, the HD download is compatible with smart TVs, computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Unlock the intrigue and drama of A Woman’s Vengeance—download the colorized HD edition today and experience a forgotten noir masterpiece like never before.