The Strange Woman is a 1946 American historical melodrama film. It is based on the 1941 novel of the same title by Ben Ames Williams.
In Bangor, Maine in 1824, a cruel young girl named Jenny Hager pushes a terrified Ephraim Poster into a river knowing he cannot swim. She is prepared to let him drown until Judge Saladine happens by, at which point Jenny jumps into the water and takes credit for saving the boy's life. Several years later, Jenny has grown up to be a beautiful but heartless and manipulative young woman.
Isaiah (Gene Lockhart), a 19th-century businessman, has his eye on the beautiful and very young Jenny (Hedy Lamarr). Finally of age, she accepts his marriage proposal, but their love affair quickly turns sour. Ephraim (Louis Hayward), Isaiah's college-age son, comes for a visit, immediately striking up a chemistry with Jenny. She promises marriage if he murders his father first. But Jenny also swoons for John (George Sanders), fiancé of her best friend, Meg (Hillary Brooke).
Cast: Hedy Lamarr as Jenny Hager George Sanders as John Evered Louis Hayward as Ephraim Poster Gene Lockhart as Isaiah Poster Hillary Brooke as Meg Saladine Rhys Williams as Deacon Adams June Storey as Lena Tempest Moroni Olsen as Rev. Thatcher Olive Blakeney as Mrs. Hollis Kathleen Lockhart as Mrs. Partridge Alan Napier as Judge Henry Saladine Dennis Hoey as Tim Hager Ray Teal as Duncan (uncredited)
