Holly Parker, the wife of a wealthy diplomat, is compromised by the accidental death of a man who has been romantically pursuing her. She is forced by her mother-in-law to assume a new identity in order to save the reputation of her husband and infant son. She wanders the world, trying to forget her heartbreak with the aid of alcohol and unsavory men. Eventually returning to the city of her downfall, she murders a blackmailer who threatens to expose her past. Amazingly, Holly is represented at her murder trial by her now adult son, who has become a public defender. In the hope of protecting her family, she refuses to reveal her real name and is known to the court as "Madame X".
Acting
Lana Turner commits to the melodrama like her life depends on it
Costume
Glamour sobbing in Edith Head-inspired suffering chic
Production
Six sets, maximum soap, zero subtlety
Director
David Lowell Rich
Lana Turner
Holly Parker
John Forsythe
Clay Anderson
Constance Bennett
Estelle Anderson
Ricardo Montalban
Phil Benton
Burgess Meredith
Dan Sullivan
Keir Dullea
Clay Anderson Jr.
Virginia Grey
Mimsy
Warren Stevens
Michael Spalding
Carl Benton Reid
Judge
Teddy Quinn
Young Clay Anderson Jr.
Frank Maxwell
Dr. Evans
Kaaren Verne
Nurse Riborg
Joe De Santis
Harry Carter
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was the seventh film adaptation of the 1908 play — Lana Turner had already played the role in a 1960s TV production.
Constance Bennett died of a cerebral hemorrhage shortly after filming; this was her final screen performance.
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