Leave Her to Heaven

Directed John M. Stahl, 1945
110 minutes

“This demented relationship drama by John M. Stahl, starring the golden era actress Gene Tierney, is the original Fatal Attraction but better, deeper, and darker.” —Kevin Maher, The Times

In this rare case of a film noir in glorious Technicolor, Gene Tierney (Laura, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir) stars as a glamorous socialite whose relationship with a novelist (who also resembles her late father) turns from a devoted romance to a murderous obsession. Based on the novel by Ben Ames Williams, Leave Her to Heaven also stars Cornel Wilde, Jeanne Crain, and Tierney’s Laura co-star Vincent Price. This presentation features a video discussion with film historian and author David Del Valle (Lost Horizons Beneath the Hollywood Sign).

The “My Favorite Films” series features tales of romance, humor, suspense, satire, and heroism with films since 1945. These films may hold special memories for you—no matter how many times you see them, they continue to draw you in once more. While many of these films are available through streaming, it's always more fun to see them in the theatre.

Trade the August heat for indoor thrills and chills with a set of suspenseful, twist-filled films! Cowtown Movie Classics host Ryan Bijan presents four thrillers that spotlight obsession, revenge, and all out danger, featuring gripping (and sometimes disturbing) performances by vintage Hollywood icons Gene Tierney, Robert Wagner, and Robert Mitchum.

Make a day of it at the Modern and include extra time to visit the galleries. Enjoy lunch in Café Modern and then settle in for an afternoon screening, or plan for a coffee break afterwards with fellow film enthusiasts.

Screenings are at 2 pm most Wednesdays in the auditorium. Tickets are $5 (FREE for Modern members) and are available at the Museum’s admission desk or online here.