Cause for Alarm! (1951)

"Cause for Alarm!" (1951) is a film noir directed by Tay Garnett and starring Loretta Young, Barry Sullivan, and Bruce Cowling. The movie is a psychological thriller that centers on Ellen Jones, a housewife whose life turns into a nightmare when her bedridden husband, George, becomes increasingly paranoid and delusional.

The plot revolves around George's belief that Ellen and his doctor are conspiring to kill him. He writes a letter to the district attorney outlining his suspicions and arranges for the letter to be mailed before Ellen can stop him. As George dies from a heart attack, Ellen must race against time to retrieve the letter before it can be read and potentially ruin her life.

The film is noted for its intense atmosphere and the way it captures Ellen's growing desperation as she struggles to prove her innocence. Loretta Young delivers a powerful performance, making the audience feel her character's fear and anxiety.

Cause for Alarm! is a fine example of a suspenseful drama from the 1950s, blending elements of film noir with psychological tension, and it remains a noteworthy entry in the genre.