“They say that fate is in the stars, that each of our years is planned ahead and nothing can change destiny. Is that true?”
A Noir Holiday Tale of Second Chances
Repeat Performance, directed by Alfred L. Werker, blends film noir sensibilities with supernatural elements in this unique story about second chances. Released through poverty row studio Eagle-Lion Films in 1947, this adaptation of William O'Farrell's 1942 novel features Joan Leslie as Sheila Page, an actress who gets the opportunity to relive the previous year after shooting her husband on New Year's Eve. The film, lost for decades until its restoration in 2011, offers a fascinating exploration of fate and determinism within its noir framework. As a special holiday gift, we're making this member bonus episode available to everyone. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we return to both our Film Noir & Holiday series with a conversation about Repeat Performance.
Destiny's Stubborn Design
Pete and Andy dive deep into how the film handles its fantastical premise, praising the bold choice to simply have William Williams disappear on the stairs rather than using more conventional devices. They explore how Joan Leslie's performance carries the confusion and determination of someone trying to outmaneuver fate, while debating whether Lewis Hayward's portrayal of Barney hits the right notes of mounting instability.
The Noir Question
The hosts engage in a thoughtful discussion about genre classification, both taking generous views of what constitutes film noir while acknowledging the film's unique position as a noir-fantasy hybrid. They examine how the film's fatalistic themes and visual style support its noir credentials despite its supernatural elements.
Key Discussion Points:

• The fascinating gender swap from the source novel and its implications
• Richard Basehart's compelling (and coded?) portrayal of William Williams
• The film's restoration history and its impact on its availability
• The effectiveness of the year-long timeline versus a more compressed timeframe like in Groundhog Day
• Virginia Field's role as Paula and the film's approach to female characters
• The significance of destiny as both theme and plot device

Cultural Context and Impact
The conversation touches on Joan Leslie's career trajectory and her legal battle with Warner Brothers, providing important context for her appearance in this independent production. They also discuss composer George Antheil's fascinating connection to Hedy Lamarr.
We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
🎬 Watch & Discover

• 🍿 Watch the Film: Amazon | Letterboxd
• 📽️ Watch a Clip
• 📚 Adapted from Repeat Performance by William O'Farrell

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