The character of Madeleine is not one you may take an immediate like to. In fact, she may never really grow on you, but you’ll still somehow find yourself engrossed in her affairs. This is because she isn’t the typical heroine found in movies from the period it was created; despite being set in 1857, Madeleine is just a normal woman, and because of that, you can easily find yourself in her shoes. She’s your mother, your sister, your neighbor; and like all of them, she has her own passions which are intended to never see the light of day. When Madeleine’s do, you’ll find yourself rooting for her, even if you feel that she’s guilty, because you would have reacted in the same way she did. The movie does a superb job of representing the evidence, and remaining somewhat impartial till the end, leaving the audience to draw their own conclusion.

The ending scene features Ann Todd staring into the camera, but you will get chills when you realize that she’s actually staring right at you.