The Accused, directed by William Dieterle and written by Ketti Frings from June Truesdell’s novel “Be Still, My Love,” features Loretta Young, Robert Cummings, Wendell Corey, Sam Jaffe, and Douglas Dick in its cast. The film's score is composed by Victor Young, with cinematography by Milton R. Krasner. Wilma Tuttle (Young), a college professor, commits an act of self-defense after being sexually assaulted by one of her students. Following the incident, she conceals what happened, and begins to feel guilty as she participates in the subsequent police inquiry. The film presents a solid narrative delivered by a capable ensemble. While it may not have striking noir visuals, The Accused compensates with insightful psychological elements. Wilma Tuttle is a compelling character, brought to life through Young’s performance; the entire story rests on the audience understanding and sympathizing with her actions, especially given her potential romantic involvement with Cummings' clever lawyer. The narrative tracks the police investigation and its scientific aspects, with Wilma possessing inside knowledge of what’s happening. This creates a tense situation as Lieutenant Ted Dorgan (Corey) suspects she knows more than she lets on—a previous inquiry had determined the death was accidental, resulting from diving. Adding to the complexity is Dorgan's attraction to Wilma, which places her in a difficult position involving fear, guilt, and the romantic interest of two men connected to the investigation. Simultaneously, she attempts to maintain composure while teaching psychology to her students. The story progresses toward a satisfying conclusion that leaves some aspects unresolved, ultimately making for an enjoyable noir-style melodrama. It earns a rating of 7/10.

Source on TMDB