Main Cast: Joan Crawford, Barry Sullivan, Betsy Palmer, John Ireland, Lucy Marlow
Release Year: 1955
Country: US
Run Time: 95 minutes
MPAA Rating: NR
Plot
Queen Bee offers a stinging portrait of a mad, manipulative woman and chronicles her downfall and that of those around her in this dark drama. On first meeting, Eva Phillips (portrayed with delicious viciousness by Joan Crawford) is the epitome of Southern graciousness and charm. She and her husband, a textile magnate live together in a splendiferous Georgian plantation. Unfortunately, while others are easily beguiled by Mrs. Phillips, her husband knows what a ruthless she-devil she really is and loathes her. To cope with the pain of living with her, he has taken to drinking heavily. Trouble follows when the horrible Eva learns that her husband's sister is engaged to marry the manager of the estate, a man she once loved. Like the proverbial dog in the manger, Eva does all she can to destroy the relationship so she can have the manager back for herself. Unfortunately, she goes too far. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
William Leslie - Ty McKinnon; Fay Wray - Sue McKinnon; Katherine Anderson - Miss Breen; Tim Hovey - Ted; Linda Bennett - Trissa; Willa Pearl Curtis - Miss George; Bill Walker - Sam; Olan Soule - Dr. Pearson; Juanita Moore - Maid; Bob McCord - Man
Ruthless Eva Phillips (Crawford) dominates her Georgia mansion and her husband Avery (Sullivan), an alcoholic mill owner who hates his wife. A cousin, Jennifer Stewart (Lucy Marlow), visits and watches in horror as Eva maneuvers to prevent the marriage of Avery's sister Carol (Palmer) to Judson Prentiss (Ireland). Judson was once Eva's lover, and, when Carol learns the truth, commits suicide. Jennifer and Avery are drawn together. When Eva senses the developing relationship, she increases her malevolences. Judson, guilty over Carol's death and determined to avenge it, takes Eva driving and deliberately crashes the car, killing them both. Jennifer and Avery are free to love each other.
Reception
Bosley Crowther of the New York Times noted, "[Miss Crawford] is the height of mellifluous meanness and frank insincerity." William K. Zinsser of the New York Herald Tribune wrote, "Miss Crawford plays her role with such silky villainy we long to see her dispatched."[1]
