Jennifer is a 1953 drama film directed by Joel Newton and starring Ida Lupino, Howard Duff, and Robert Nichols. The film is notable for the introduction of the jazz standard "Angel Eyes," composed and performed by Matt Dennis.
Plot
Down on her luck, Agnes Langley (Ida Lupino) is hired by Lorna Gale (Mary Shipp) to replace the "missing" Jennifer as caretaker for the Gale family's currently unoccupied Southern California estate. Agnes is immediately affected by the mysterious house and, after she finds a diary apparently belonging to Jennifer, becomes obsessed with determining the cause of the woman's "disappearance".
Cast
Ida Lupino as Agnes Langley
Howard Duff as Jim Hollis
Robert Nichols as Orin
Mary Shipp as Lorna Gale
Ned Glass as Grocery Clerk
Kitty McHugh as Landlady
Lorna Thayer as Molly, Grocery Clerk
Matt Dennis as himself
Reception
Time Out magazine (London) writes of the film, "This is gothic romance crossed with early-'50s noir, worth a look for the sake of the great Wong Howe. Grey-listed and taking what work he could get, he tackles even this B-picture for Monogram with unfailing artistry, creating images that are strong without being showy, atmospheric yet perfectly naturalistic."