The “kind lady” of the title is the elderly, wealthy, and gracious spinster Mary Herries (Ethel Barrymore), a patron of the arts. Her kindness brings her to the brink of tragedy when she befriends the seemingly guileless and struggling artist Henry Elcott (renowned Shakespearean actor Maurice Evans in his first screen role).
Before she knows it, Henry has moved into her London townhouse with his frightened, ailing wife (Betsy Blair) and child, replaced her servants with the sinister Mr and Mrs Edwards (Keenan Wynn and Angela Lansbury), holds Mrs Herries captive in her bedroom, and begins to dispose of her art treasures, including original works by El Greco and Rembrandt.
The story traces the devious methods by which the smooth-talking Elcott convinces neighbourhood tradesmen, postmen, policemen on the beat, and even Miss Harries’ banker (John Williams) that the old lady has become mentally unbalanced. He also prevents help from coming to the stricken woman, making prisoners of the old lady and her long-time maid, Rose (Doris Lloyd).
It seems as though Miss Herries’ life is doomed, but she manages to extricate herself from her dire predicament and turns the tables on her oppressor.
Evans is thoroughly convincing as the treacherous Elcott – suave, charming, sly, cunning and sadistic by turns.
The gripping and suspenseful MGM film was adapted from Edward Chodorov’s theatre success based on a Hugh Walpole novel.
Mary Herries
Ethel Barrymore Henry Springer Elcott
Maurice Evans Mrs Edwards
Angela Lansbury Edwards
Keenan Wynn Ada Elcott
Betsy Blair Mr Foster
John Williams Rose
Doris Lloyd Antique Dealer
John O’Malley Monsieur Malaquaise
Henri Letondal Mrs Harkley
Moyna MacGill Mr Harkley
Barry Bernard Lucy Weston
Sally Cooper Chauffeur
Arthur Gould-Porter Aggie Edwards
Sherlee Collier Dora
Phyllis Morris Constable Orkin
Patrick O’Moore Jones
Keith McConnell Postman
Leonard Carey Doc
Victor Wood
Director
John Sturges
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The story traces the devious methods by which the smooth-talking Elcott convinces neighbourhood tradesmen, postmen, policemen on the beat, and even Miss Harries’ banker (John Williams) that the old lady has become mentally unbalanced. He also prevents help from coming to the stricken woman, making prisoners of the old lady and her long-time maid, Rose (Doris Lloyd).
