Plot
Holly Parker, the wife of a wealthy diplomat, is compromised by the accidental death of a man who has been romantically pursuing her. She is forced by her mother-in-law to assume a new identity in order to save the reputation of her husband and infant son. She wanders the world, trying to forget her heartbreak with the aid of alcohol and unsavory men. Eventually returning to the city of her downfall, she murders a blackmailer who threatens to expose her past. Amazingly, Holly is represented at her murder trial by her now adult son, who has become a public defender. In the hope of protecting her family, she refuses to reveal her real name and is known to the court as "Madame X".
Cast
Lana Turner
Holly Parker
John Forsythe
Clay Anderson
Ricardo Montalban
Phil Benton
Burgess Meredith
Dan Sullivan
Constance Bennett
Estelle
Keir Dullea
Clay Anderson Jr.
John van Dreelen
Christian Torben
Carl Benton Reid
Judge
Virginia Grey
Mimsy
Warren Stevens
Michael Spalding
Teddy Quinn
Young Clay Anderson Jr.
Frank Maxwell
Dr. Evans
Crew
David Lowell Rich
Director
Jean Holloway
Screenplay
Ross Hunter
Producer
Russell Metty
Director of Photography
Frank Skinner
Original Music Composer
Related films
7.1I Confess
1953
6.5The File on Thelma Jordon
1949
6.9The Burning Bed
1984
8.0Dial M for Murder
1954
8.2Witness for the Prosecution
1957
6.3Killer's Kiss
1955
5.8The Cat's Meow
2002
7.4Erin Brockovich
2000
6.4Mommie Dearest
1981
6.5Losing Isaiah
1995
5.8The Girl in the Book
2015
6.3TalhotBlond
2012
7.3The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds
1972
6.8The Return
2003
6.2Woman of Straw
1964