Rossen's dream-like film was an unhappy experience for all due to Warren Beatty's antagonistic behaviour towards Rossen; ironically, his blank performance is the worst thing in it, Jean's is all the more exciting given his anonymity.
Vincent is an aimless ex-GI who becomes an occupational therapist at a private asylum for wealthy patients in Maryland. While there, he becomes obsessed with Lilith, a young reclusive schizophrenic.
Lilith's sensuality disturbs both male and female patients and Vincent's jealousy has catastrophic effects for all...
Kim Hunter's head doctor and Peter Fonda as a besotted fellow-patient shine and a heartbreaking scene where Vincent visits ex-girlfriend Jessica Walter and her crass husband Gene Hackman is also wonderfully played.
But it's Jean's child-like yet destructive Lilith who haunts the mind in her finest screen performance.
Shelf or charity shop? Jean's Golden Globe-nominated performance deserves a place on any shelf...
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