Podcasts · Let’s Get Lost in Classic Movies
Gaslight (1944) Review: Ingrid Bergman, Psychological Manipulation, and the Origin of “Gaslighting”
· 25 min · Episode 5
Episode Gaslight (1944) Review: Ingrid Bergman, Psychological Manipulation, and the Origin of “Gaslighting”
Welcome to Let's Get Lost in Classic Movies. Janna and Debbie discuss the 1944 film Gaslight, starring Ingrid Bergman, Charles Boyer, Joseph Cotten, and 19-year-old Angela Lansbury in her first role, directed by George Cukor.
They introduce the premise of a young girl whose aunt is murdered and who later marries a man with a hidden motive tied to jewels and the house. In their discussion, they explain how the term “gaslighting” comes from the 1938 play by Patrick Hamilton and describe gaslighting as psychological manipulation that makes someone doubt their sanity, memory, or reasoning, citing examples from the film like missing objects, denied reality, isolation, and blame shifting.
They note the film’s heavy tone, makeup and cinematography choices, Angela Lansbury’s comedic relief, award nominations, Bergman’s Best Actress win, and share favorite “martini shot” moments from the ending and the confrontation scene.
THINGS TO PONDER WITH YOUR POPCORN:
Learn more AND watch the movie
Follow LGL in Classic Movies Hosts Debbie and Janna on Instagram
LISTEN on YOUTUBE
Meet the Production Team - Dee Daniels Media
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Welcome and Film Pick
00:46 Spoiler Free Setup
02:42 Iconic Gaslight Clip
03:30 Post Movie Reactions
03:51 When We Got Lost
06:10 What Gaslighting Means
08:53 How Gregory Manipulates
13:52 Cast Awards and Highlights
16:44 Favorite Scenes Breakdown
21:19 Martini Shot Moments
24:41 Closing and Call to Action
Links in the notes 5
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