Kind Lady [1951] [DVD]

Cold-blooded con artist Maurice Evans and his cohorts hold an old lady hostage in her own home, intent on stealing her art collection. Crime drama, also starring Ethel Barrymore and Angela Lansbury.

This remake of the 1935 film is here turned into an Edwardian costume drama, scripted by a trio that included Edward Chodorov, author of the original Broadway play. More glossy than its predecessor and directed by John Sturges with a keener sense of tension, it stars Ethel Barrymore as the elderly woman who is unwittingly preyed upon for her wealth. Unfortunately, classical actor Maurice Evans lacks the smooth and persuasive looks and personality of Basil Rathbone, but the movie is nonetheless a moderately effective nail-biter.