I agree with the last reviewer that there is so much material, or at least directions it may have gone, this could have been a tv movie. This is a fascinating whodunit as the legendary Lillian Gish (as Bessie) suspects something's up with her neighbor, shall we say a case of homicide? It reminds me of a Agatha Christie or a Miss Marple
mystery (a la Hitchcock) as Gish plays a fidgity, complaining spinster with a very suspicious eye.
Gish is complimented by the likes of veteran Kent Smith, playing the country doctor. He is best remembered also playing a doctor in the famous noirish soap opera NORA PRENTISS (1947), opposite Ann Sheriden. Gish, of course, had a career that topped most everyone in Hollywood, working for iconic director DW Griffith in the early days of motion pictures as a teenager. She was one of a handful of actresses from silent films to cross into sound films and then tv, matched only by the likes of Gloria Swanson or ZaSu Pitts, who she resembled to a degree. Bottom line, Lillian Gish was a natural, who adapted to whatever role was handed her. Her beautiful sister Dorothy was also an accomplished actress, who specialized more in comedy and retired early in her career, though made brief appearances in the 50s and 60s.
Also co-starring popular Peter Lind Hayes and Maggie McNamara. Listen to those rich violins, as the music takes on a creepy feel. Don't you love it? Not to be missed, especially for devout fans of Miss Gish. SEASON 3 EPISODE 32. CBS dvd box set.