Don't Bother to Knock

1952

Don't Bother to Knock

Critics Consensus

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Don't Bother to Knock Photos

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Movie Info

Sex symbol Marilyn Monroe went dramatic in 1952's Don't Bother to Knock. Monroe plays Nell Forbes, a beautiful but suicidal young woman, recently released from a mental institution. She doesn't mention this on her resumé when she takes a baby-sitting job in a posh hotel. Jed Towers (Richard Widmark), a hotel guest, tries to make time with Nell after his own girlfriend, played by Anne Bancroft, has told him to take a hike. As Nell and Jed neck on the couch, the little girl whom Nell is tending (Donna Corcoran) surprises the spooning couple. This drives the psychotic Nell over the edge, forcing Jed to try to keep the baby-sitter from killing both herself and the child. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating:

PG
Genre:

Classics, Drama, Mystery & Suspense
Directed By:

Roy Ward Baker
Written By:

Daniel Taradash
In Theaters:

Jul 18, 1952 wide
On Disc/Streaming:

May 14, 2002
Runtime:

76 minutes
Studio:

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

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Cast

Marilyn Monroe
as Nell Forbes

Richard Widmark
as Jed Towers

Anne Bancroft
as Lyn Lesley

Donna Corcoran
as Bunny Jones

Jeanne Cagney
as Rochelle

Lurene Tuttle
as Mrs. Ruth Jones

Elisha Cook Jr.
as Eddie

Jim Backus
as Peter Jones

Verna Felton
as Mrs. Ballew

Don Beddoe
as Mr. Ballew

Gloria Blondell
as Janie, Girl Photographer

Grace Hayle
as Mrs. McMurdock

Michael Ross
as Pat

Eda Reiss Merin
as Maid

Vic Perrin
as Elevator Operator

Dick Cogan
as Bell Captain

Robert Foulk
as Doorman

Olan Soule
as Desk Clerk

Emmett Vogan
as Toastmaster

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Critic Reviews for Don't Bother to Knock

All Critics (10) | DVD (1)

Takes what could have been a lurid plot and turns it into a wickedly plotted thriller that remains an overlooked high point in Monroe's storied career.

Jun 3, 2019 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

Matthew Lucas
From the Front Row
A brisk 76-minute running time is all that's required for this nifty thriller to take the stage, impress the audience, and exit with style.

Mar 22, 2018 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

Matt Brunson
Creative Loafing
Wacko psychological thriller.

Feb 15, 2011 | Rating: B- | Full Review…

Dennis Schwartz
Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A snappy little 76-minute, black-and-white item, this film noir dared to look at the dark side of Monroe's giggly sex appeal.

Oct 10, 2008 | Full Review…

Jeffrey M. Anderson
Combustible Celluloid
Monroe goes borderline-psycho in an enjoyable thriller

Oct 7, 2004 | Rating: 3/5

James Sanford
Kalamazoo Gazette
Drama realizado para provar que Monroe era boa atriz, é até bem sucedido em certo grau, pois ela desempenha razoavelmente bem seu papel. O problema é que o roteiro não desenvolve muito a história, que parece ter sido escrita para teatro.

Jul 25, 2003 | Rating: 3/5

Pablo Villaça
Cinema em Cena
Fairly satisfying

Apr 27, 2002 | Rating: 4/5

Christopher Null
Filmcritic.com

View All Critic Reviews (10)

Audience Reviews for Don't Bother to Knock

Oct 07, 2010

this probably is monroe's best performance, playing an unstable character very close to the edge and she is genuinely scary. richard widmark gives great support as a frustrated guy just trying to make time whose cynicism grows into compassion. and anne bancroft looks smashing in her film debut. suspenseful and underrated.

Stella D Super Reviewer
Sep 05, 2010

Monroe's best performance if you ask me, and Widmark gives a great performance as well along with her. The story is great it's dramatic and exciting. I highly recommend this movie.

Aj V Super Reviewer
Jun 28, 2010

I think this movie is best experienced if you don't know it's a thriller at all. The slow progression of madness that takes over Marilyn Monroe is incredible. I love that it starts out like a romantic comedy or drama and then has Nell the babysitter from hell tying up children and falling psychotically in love with the man across the building. My only complaint for this movie is that I wanted more, it gives Hitchcock a run for his money and is a lot better than some of his early stuff.

Conner R Super Reviewer
Jun 22, 2010

Whoa. Marilyn Monroe freaked me out!! I didn't even know she could act! Hah! I'm impressed there was acting and I did like the story especially for 1952. A good psycho story always does me well. I liked it and it drew me in from the very beginning. I'd totally watch this again, if not only for Marilyn's CRAZY eyes.

Jennifer D Super Reviewer