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Crime Cult Classic

Bette Davis plays both sides of a deadly twin swap in this double-dose noir melodrama.

DEAD RINGER

1964 · 1h 55m · NR · Crime / Drama / Thriller

After the funeral of her brother-in-law, Edith Phillips learns that Margaret de Lorca, her rich twin sister, had tricked her way into marriage with the man she also loved. So she kills Margaret and assumes her identity and life-style. However, her life becomes complicated by her late sister's sleazy boyfriend, Tony Collins and Sgt. Jim Hobbson, a Los Angeles detective who loved the "dead" Edith.

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Quick Answer
What is Dead Ringer about?

Dead Ringer is a 1964 American crime drama thriller directed by Paul Henreid about estranged twin sisters whose reunion leads to murder and an audacious identity switch.

Synopsis

After eighteen years of estrangement, twin sisters Edith 'Edie' Phillips and Margaret 'Maggie' DeLorca are reunited at the funeral of Maggie's husband, Francesco 'Frank' DeLorca, who died of cardiac arrest. Their estrangement was due to the fact that callous Maggie stole wealthy Frank from Edie when Frank and Edie were dating. As such, Maggie went on to live a life of luxury, while Edie currently owns a seedy bar on which she is three months behind in rent. To gain what she believes is rightfully hers after she finds out some information about how Maggie coerced Frank to marry her, Edie decides to murder Maggie and take on her identity. In doing so, Edie plans on passing off the dead body as herself, the death by suicide. In taking on Maggie's identity, Edie has to convince Maggie's servants, acquaintances and friends that she really is Maggie. The most difficult of these people to convince may be golf pro Tony Collins, who had a somewhat secret and special relationship with Maggie about which Edie was initially unaware. Edie may also have some problems convincing Sgt. Jim Hobbson, who is investigating Edie's death and who is also Edie's boyfriend. The problems for Edie posing as Maggie are compounded when she discovers the circumstances behind Frank's death.
Details & Specs
Director
Paul Henreid
Writers
Albert Beich, Oscar Millard, Rian James
Release
1964
Runtime
1h 55m
Also Known As
Dead Image, Who Is Buried in My Grave?, ¿Quién yace en mi tumba?, Dead Ringer (original title)

Why Cult

Bette Davis Double Role

Watch Bette Davis take on the challenge of playing both Edith and Margaret, twins locked in a deadly rivalry.

Identity Swap Intrigue

The film's core twist—one twin murdering and impersonating the other—fuels a tense game of deception.

Noir Los Angeles Setting

Set against a backdrop of seedy bars and wealthy estates, the film delivers classic crime drama atmosphere.

Supporting Cast Standouts

Karl Malden and Peter Lawford add grit and glamour to the proceedings as a dogged detective and a sleazy boyfriend.

Trailer

Questions from the Vault

What is Dead Ringer about? +

Dead Ringer follows estranged twin sisters whose reunion after eighteen years leads to murder and a dangerous impersonation scheme.

When was Dead Ringer released? +

Dead Ringer was released in 1964.

Who directed Dead Ringer? +

Dead Ringer was directed by Paul Henreid.

How long is Dead Ringer? +

Dead Ringer has a runtime of 115 minutes.

What genre is Dead Ringer? +

Dead Ringer is a crime, drama, and thriller film.

Where can I watch Dead Ringer? +

Dead Ringer is available to stream on SassyFlix.