Temptation

In this Victorian-era film noir, the mesmerizing Merle Oberon is Ruby, the new wife of wealthy archaeologist Nigel (George Brent). Unbeknownst to her husband, Ruby has had quite a checkered past, involving several divorces and extramarital affairs. While Nigel is out digging up an ancient mummy, Ruby takes up with Baroudi (Charles Korvin), a slick but impoverished Egyptian opportunist. When Baroudi threatens to leave Ruby unless she puts her husband out of the way, she plots to poison the unwitting Nigel, setting the stage for a spectacular revenge-and-retribution finale. Paul Lukas also stars in this electrifying melodrama from director Irving Pichel, based on the book "Bella Donna" by Robert Hichens. (Kino Lorber)