Guest in the House

This is "Shadow of a Doubt" meets "The Women." It's as if it had been produced by Val Lewton, particularly in the early, ambiguous scenes. And it does feature two of Orson Welles's players: Anne Baxter as the title character and Ruth Warrick as her hostess.

Warrick and husband Ralph Bellamy agree to give some country air to a troubled young woman. Bellamy is a painter. Marie McDonald is his model. Without giving too much away, Baxter reacts to her with the fiery prudishness of a Jack the Ripper. She's shocked; she's appalled.

That marvelous character actress Aline MacMahon is the family aunt. She gets third billing and plays a central role. And she is superb --often framed between other characters, looking out wisely. Her face could register pain and restfulness at the same time.

The film was beautifully shot by the great Lee Garmes. It's directed well by John Brahm.

At times, it grows overheated. But for the most part it is subtle and unnerving.