I think the key to the whole “dream lover” scenario is in Irene’s enraged confession to husband Howard. She’s been the trophy wife for so long, locked up in that creepy manor, that any alternative is appealing. Any relationship between her and Barry (Robert Taylor) began as a figment of Howard’s jealous imagination, but she seems amenable to it once it is suggested. I think it’s intentional that she seems to have more chemistry with her former co-star Taylor than anyone else in the film.

Without giving the ending away, it becomes clear that her “dream lover” is more than her own sexual and emotional frustrations taken shape. Any shortcomings there are not a product of Irene’s or Stanwyck’s desires. I guess if the mystery man were more openly attractive, it would undercut the tone of menace that underlies his “yammering”. Agreed, though, that she plays a decidedly more passive character than her trademark femme fatales.

That would be an interesting intellectual exercise. Would this film work if the gender roles were reversed, perhaps with some older grande dame playing Taylor’s blind wife (remaining menacing without falling prey to the customary exploitation and ridicule) and Stanwyck as the edgy attorney? Hmm. I like that.

Cheers and thanks for a great contribution to the blogathon!