Download Another Man’s Poison (1951) Colorized HD | Bette Davis | British Noir Drama | Gary Merrill

Poison, Passion, and Deception: Another Man’s Poison (1951) in Vivid Color

Step into the shadowy intrigue of postwar British cinema with “Another Man’s Poison” (1951), now meticulously colorized for a new generation of classic film lovers. Directed by Irving Rapper and headlined by the legendary Bette Davis alongside Gary Merrill, this British noir drama unravels a tangled web of murder, deception, and forbidden desire in the windswept Yorkshire countryside. Whether you’re a devotee of vintage thrillers, a Bette Davis aficionado, or simply seeking a suspenseful tale of psychological gamesmanship, this HD download brings a forgotten gem to life with modern vibrancy.

A Web of Murder and Manipulation: The Story of Another Man’s Poison

At the heart of “Another Man’s Poison” lies Janet Frobisher, a successful crime novelist living in isolation on the moors. Estranged from her criminal husband, Janet is entangled in a passionate affair with Larry, her secretary’s much younger fiancé. The tranquility of her remote manor is shattered when her estranged husband suddenly reappears, only to meet a swift and sinister end at Janet’s hands—poisoned with medicine intended for her beloved horse.

Janet’s calculated crime is quickly complicated by the arrival of George Bates, her late husband’s criminal associate. George, realizing the deadly secret, blackmails Janet into letting him stay, posing as her long-absent husband. As the two form an uneasy alliance, the arrival of Janet’s secretary, Chris, and her fiancé, Larry, further tightens the noose of suspicion and desire. The house becomes a crucible of secrets, with Janet’s manipulations threatening to spiral out of control.

As the weekend unfolds, betrayals and confessions come to a head. Janet’s attempts to keep her secrets buried lead to a series of double-crosses and fatal miscalculations. In a final, ironic twist, Janet’s own machinations become her undoing, culminating in a darkly satisfying conclusion that cements the film’s place in the canon of British noir.

Cast and Characters

“Another Man’s Poison” boasts a compact but powerhouse cast, each contributing to the film’s claustrophobic tension and psychological complexity:

• Bette Davis as Janet Frobisher: The ruthless, magnetic crime writer whose deadly secrets drive the plot.

• Gary Merrill as George Bates: The cunning criminal who becomes both accomplice and adversary.

• Emlyn Williams as Dr. Henderson: The nosy local vet who suspects more than he lets on.

• Anthony Steel as Larry Stevens: The naïve fiancé caught in Janet’s web.

• Barbara Murray as Chris Dale: Janet’s loyal but betrayed secretary.

• Reginald Beckwith as Mr. Bigley: A minor but memorable supporting role.

• Edna Morris as Mrs. Bunting: Adds to the local color and suspicion.

Genre and Style

“Another Man’s Poison” is a hybrid of British noir, psychological thriller, and melodrama. The film’s moody Yorkshire setting, morally ambiguous characters, and sharp dialogue evoke the best traditions of film noir, while its origins as a stage play lend an air of theatrical intimacy and intensity. The colorized restoration accentuates the gothic atmosphere, highlighting the windswept moors, shadowy interiors, and the expressive faces of its stars.

Production Notes and Behind-the-Scenes Drama

The making of “Another Man’s Poison” is nearly as dramatic as its plot. Originally envisioned with Barbara Stanwyck or Gloria Swanson in the lead, the role ultimately went to Bette Davis, who was eager for a British production and a chance to work with her then-husband, Gary Merrill. The couple’s real-life chemistry and tension add a layer of authenticity to their on-screen sparring.

Filming took place on location in Malham, Yorkshire, with interiors shot at Nettlefold Studios. Davis, ever the perfectionist, was reportedly dissatisfied with the script, leading to frequent rewrites by co-star Emlyn Williams. Despite the production’s challenges, Davis delivers a performance of gleeful malevolence, foreshadowing her later iconic roles as cinematic anti-heroines.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Upon release, “Another Man’s Poison” divided critics but has since gained a cult following for its campy, over-the-top performances and deliciously wicked plot. Bette Davis is at her most unrestrained, relishing the role of a woman with no redeeming qualities except her devotion to her horse. Gary Merrill matches her with a performance that is both menacing and oddly sympathetic.

The film’s blend of black comedy, psychological suspense, and gothic melodrama has led some to compare it to later Davis classics like “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” For fans of vintage thrillers and British noir, “Another Man’s Poison” offers a masterclass in character-driven suspense and moral ambiguity.

Colorization and Restoration

This colorized HD edition breathes new life into the film’s atmospheric visuals. The restoration process highlights the contrasts between the bleak Yorkshire landscape and the opulent but decaying interiors of Janet’s manor. The use of color enhances the emotional intensity of key scenes, making the film more accessible and visually engaging for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Director: Irving Rapper

• Screenplay: Val Guest (based on “Deadlock” by Leslie Sands)

• Cinematography: Robert Krasker

• Editing: Gordon Hales

• Music: John Greenwood, Paul Sawtell

• Production Company: Angel Productions

• Distributor: United Artists (US), Eros Films (UK)

• Runtime: 90 minutes

• Format: HD (1080p) MP4, compatible with all major devices

Download Now in HD!

Don’t miss your chance to experience “Another Man’s Poison” (1951) in stunning color. Download the fully restored HD version today and immerse yourself in a world of murder, secrets, and classic British noir.