While the Patient Slept (film)

While the Patient Slept is a 1946 American film noir directed by Robert Wise, starring Eleanor Parker and Laird Cregar. It is a remake of the 1935 film The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

Plot Summary: The film follows Helen Brent, a nurse working at a private hospital. She becomes suspicious when a wealthy patient, wealthy Mrs. Tremaine, dies under mysterious circumstances. Helen's investigation uncovers a complex web of deceit, blackmail, and murder involving the patient's family and associates. Her own life is put in danger as she delves deeper into the secrets surrounding the death. The mystery unfolds through a series of flashbacks and reveals the true culprit behind the murder.

Cast:

• Eleanor Parker as Helen Brent
• Laird Cregar as Dr. Alexander
• Robert Mitchum as Warren
• John Litel as Mr. Tremaine
• Agnes Moorehead as Mrs. Tremaine

Production Details:

• Director: Robert Wise
• Producer: Robert Wise
• Screenwriters: Robert Libott, based on the novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens (though the film shares only a loose thematic connection)
• Release Date: 1946
• Genre: Film Noir, Mystery, Thriller

Critical Reception and Legacy:

The film received mixed reviews upon its release. Cregar's performance was often highlighted, though his untimely death shortly after filming impacted the overall production. While not as critically acclaimed as some other film noirs of the era, While the Patient Slept remains notable for its suspenseful plot and the strong performances of its cast, particularly Parker. It holds a place in film history as a representative example of the genre's stylistic conventions. Its adaptation, though loose, of elements from Dickens' work adds an interesting layer to its legacy.