Why the suspense movie that gave rise to the words “Gaslight” and “gaslighting” became a masterpiece

A project realized with the passion of Ingrid Bergman

When you watch this movie, you can clearly see how a person can be brainwashed and how terrifying the psychological abuse that occurs within a family is. The director has directed many of the best romantic comedies such as `` It's a Wonderful Day '' (38) and ``The Philadelphia Story '' (40), and after this work he directed `` A Star Is Born '' (54) and `` My Fair Lady '' (64). George Cukor left behind masterpieces that everyone knows.

Starring Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer. Joseph Cotton plays Inspector Cameron who rescues Paula. The cheeky maid Nancy is played by Angela Lansbury, who is best known for her role in the TV drama Aunt Jessica's Case Files . At the time, Lansbury was a newcomer with no acting experience, but Cukor immediately saw her charm and persuaded higher-ups to cast her in the role.

"Gaslight" (c)Photofest / Getty Images

This film is one of Ingrid Bergman's most famous works in Hollywood, and is well known as the work for which she won her first Academy Award for Best Actress. In fact, there were some twists and turns before she was chosen as the lead role. Originally, Bergman was impressed by the New York stage production of the play (the play was titled ``Angel Street'') and was eager to appear in the film adaptation. But a problem arose here. This is a credit problem that often occurs when stars co-star together.

Bergman moved to Hollywood from Sweden in 1939 and had great success with `` Casablanca '' (directed by Michael Curtiz), but Charles Boyer, who was approached to play the role opposite him, was also rejected from `` Encounter '' (directed by Leo McCarey, 39). A star actor known for his work as director). Boyer insisted that he could not appear in the film unless his name was credited first. Meanwhile, producer David O. Selznick, who was controlling Bergman's rights to appear in the film, agreed that he would not allow her to appear unless her name was mentioned first. The negotiation between the two sides is complicated and no solution can be found. However, Bergman, who really wanted to appear in the film, persuaded the company to let him play the second role. Selznick reluctantly accepted her request, and by putting Charles Boyer first, the credit problem was resolved. Without Bergman's enthusiasm, the two would not have worked together, and this masterpiece might not have been created.

Reversing an actor's physical characteristics