Ladies in Retirement

Synopsis

Ladies in Retirement is a 1941 psychological thriller featuring Ida Lupino in a compelling story of loyalty, deception, and suspense. The film follows Ellen Creed, a devoted and protective woman who takes a job at a boarding house to care for her unstable sister and safeguard their future. As Ellen manages the household and its eccentric residents, she becomes entangled in a web of secrets and dangers that threaten to upend their lives. The story masterfully blends haunting atmosphere with emotional drama, exploring themes of familial duty and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones in the face of adversity.

Cast

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  Ida Lupino

  Ellen Creed

• 

  Louis Hayward

  Albert Feather

• 

  Evelyn Keyes

  Lucy

• 

  Elsa Lanchester

  Emily Creed

• 

  Edith Barrett

  Louisa Creed

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  Isobel Elsom

  Leonora Fiske

Reviews

Ladies in Retirement has been appreciated by classic film enthusiasts for its atmospheric tension and strong performances, especially by Ida Lupino. On IMDb, the film holds a respectable rating of 7.1/10, reflecting generally favorable audience reception. Critics have praised the movie’s Gothic style and claustrophobic setting, which effectively heighten the suspense and drama. The New York Times lauded it as “a subtle psychological thriller with exceptional direction and acting.” However, some modern viewers note that the pacing may feel slow by contemporary standards, and the style is firmly rooted in the era’s melodramatic traditions, which might not appeal to all. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a consensus score due to the film’s age, but archival reviews highlight the movie’s eerie mood and compelling character dynamics. Overall, Ladies in Retirement is recognized as a noteworthy example of early 1940s thriller cinema with nuanced performances and a gripping storyline.

See also

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Now You See Me 2

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb