The Bigamist (1953)
A quietly daring 1953 noir drama in which one man's secret double life unravels with compassion, moral complexity, and remarkable restraint.
The Bigamist - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Bigamist
- Release Year: 1953
- Directed by: Ida Lupino
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 20m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 3, 1953 (United States - NR)
- Alternative Titles: Bigamie (FR), Bitter kärlek (SE), La grande nebbia (IT), El bígamo (ES)
- Production Companies: The Filmakers, Film-Makers' Cooperative
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Bigamist - Plot
San Francisco businessman Harry Graham and his wife and business partner, Eve, are in the process of adopting a child. When private investigator Mr. Jordan uncovers the fact that Graham has another wife, Phyllis, and a small child in Los Angeles, he confesses everything.
The Bigamist - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the moral drama unfold:
Wanted by two women!
Where to Watch The Bigamist
Looking for where to watch The Bigamist?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Bigamist - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ida Lupino
Main Cast
- Joan Fontaine
- Ida Lupino
- Edmond O'Brien
- Edmund Gwenn
- Kenneth Tobey
- Jane Darwell
- Peggy Maley
- Lilian Fontaine
- Matt Dennis
- John Maxwell
Writers
- Lou Schor
- Collier Young
- Lawrence B. Marcus
Producers
- Collier Young
The Bigamist - FAQs
Where can you stream The Bigamist (1953)?
The Bigamist is available on several platforms, including Tubi TV, The Roku Channel, and Kanopy for free. It can also be streamed on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Philo, MGM+, and Filmzie, or rented and purchased via Amazon Video.
Did Ida Lupino act in and direct The Bigamist?
Yes, Ida Lupino made history by both directing and starring in The Bigamist — a rare achievement in Hollywood at the time. She plays Phyllis Martin, the second wife, while also helming the film, making her one of the very few women directors working in 1950s Hollywood.
What is The Bigamist (1953) about?
The Bigamist follows Harry Graham, a traveling salesman with a wife in San Francisco and a secret second family in Los Angeles. When a private investigator uncovers his double life during an adoption process, Harry is forced to confront the consequences of his choices and the two women he loves.
Who are the main actors in The Bigamist?
The film stars Joan Fontaine as Eve Graham, Ida Lupino as Phyllis Martin, and Edmond O'Brien as Harry Graham. Supporting roles are filled by Edmund Gwenn, Kenneth Tobey, Jane Darwell, Peggy Maley, Lilian Fontaine, Matt Dennis, and John Maxwell.
Is The Bigamist based on a true story?
The Bigamist is not based on a specific true story. It was written by Lou Schor, Collier Young, and Lawrence B. Marcus as an original drama. However, its themes of bigamy, loneliness, and moral ambiguity were grounded in recognizable social realities of postwar American life.
How long is The Bigamist and what is its rating?
The Bigamist runs 80 minutes and is rated NR (Not Rated), as it predates the modern MPAA rating system. Despite its unrated status, the film handles its mature subject matter — bigamy and moral conflict — with restraint and emotional sensitivity.
When was The Bigamist released in the United States?
The Bigamist was released in the United States on December 3, 1953. Produced independently by The Filmakers, the film was distributed outside the major studio system, which gave Ida Lupino the creative freedom to explore its morally complex subject matter without studio interference.
How was The Bigamist received by critics?
The Bigamist earned strong critical respect, particularly for Ida Lupino's direction and the film's unusually sympathetic treatment of all three central characters. Critics praised its nuanced moral perspective, understated performances, and willingness to present the bigamist not as a villain but as a flawed, conflicted human being.
More About The Bigamist
Explore further details, ratings, and records for The Bigamist on these authoritative databases: