Joan Crawford delivers a superb performance in this skillfully adapted version of Francis de Croisset’s play, directed by Cukor. The story unfolds in Sweden, centering around a young woman, "Anna," marked by an accident from her past. Feeling ostracized, she resorts to minor blackmail alongside “Barring” (Conrad Veidt) and targets the unfaithful wife, "Vera" (Isa Massen), of surgeon "Gustaf" (Melvyn Douglas). During one of these schemes, she’s caught by the doctor, who initially believes her to be a burglar. After he decides against involving the police, “Gustaf” proposes to assist her with her physical disfigurement. Simultaneously, “Barring” finds himself in financial difficulty and informs her about his wealthy uncle and the young grandson set to inherit his fortune. His suggestion is that if something were to happen to the boy, it would benefit them both. She then poses as a governess and takes on the responsibility of caring for the child. The central question becomes whether she will proceed with their scheme to eliminate this obstacle standing in the way of their prosperity. The narrative structure employs a courtroom trial format where "Anna" is the defendant; consequently, much of the film keeps you guessing about who has been killed and by whom. Each witness's testimony gradually reveals pieces of the puzzle without diminishing the tension. Veidt shines as the villain, which is typical for him, and Richard Nichols provides an enjoyable performance as the playful four-year-old, "Lars-Erik," who becomes their target. Crawford’s portrayal is powerful and complex; throughout the story, we gain a deeper understanding of this imperfect woman, even developing some unexpected empathy for her. It's a captivating drama that moves along at a good pace, offering substance and making it a worthwhile viewing experience.

Source on TMDB