Oh, darling Christabel. Such a lovely, innocent name – but as the title of this Nicholas Ray film suggests, you were Born to Be Bad.

Sure, this one borders more on the melodramatic (very familiar territory for lead actress Joan Fontaine), but that is what makes it so fun to watch. It is definitely a lighter fare in the film noir canon, seeing there is no real peril present and death by misadventure or unnatural causes is non-existent. Here we just have a scheming femme fatale willing to go to any lengths to get what she wants – be it money, men, you name it.

In addition to Fontaine, the cast includes stalwart actors Robert Ryan, Zachary Scott, Joan Leslie and Mel Ferrer. Definitely one to stay in for, just check out the poster …