Top 10 Detective Films About Wealthy Women

Description: This Hitchcock classic involves Iris Henderson, a wealthy young woman, who becomes embroiled in a mystery aboard a train when an old lady she befriended disappears.

Fact: The film was remade in 1979, but the original remains a benchmark for suspense and mystery in cinema.

Description: Edward G. Robinson plays a psychology professor who becomes entangled in a murder mystery after meeting a mysterious woman, Alice Reed, played by Joan Bennett.

Fact: The film was remade in 2021 with Amy Adams in the lead role, showcasing the enduring appeal of the original story.

Description: This film noir classic features Lauren Bacall as Vivian Rutledge, the enigmatic daughter of a wealthy general, who hires private detective Philip Marlowe to solve a blackmail case that spirals into a web of murder and deceit.

Fact: The film was directed by Howard Hawks and is known for its complex plot, which even baffled its own screenwriters. It was also one of the first films to use the term "screwball" in reference to a character.

Description: Based on Agatha Christie's novel, this film stars Angela Lansbury as Miss Marple, who investigates a murder at a film set where a wealthy actress, Marina Gregg, is the prime suspect.

Fact: The film features a star-studded cast including Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and Kim Novak, making it a delightful blend of mystery and Hollywood glamour.

Description: While not exclusively about a wealthy woman, the film features Gwyneth Paltrow as Marge Sherwood, who becomes entangled in the schemes of Tom Ripley, a man obsessed with the life of the rich.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Italy, providing a lush backdrop to the story. It also features a haunting score by Gabriel Yared.

Description: Set in the 1930s, this film explores the lives of the wealthy and their servants during a weekend shooting party at an English country house, where a murder occurs, turning the event into a detective story.

Fact: The film was inspired by the works of Agatha Christie and Jean Renoir's "The Rules of the Game." It features an ensemble cast including Maggie Smith, Helen Mirren, and Michael Gambon.

Description: Although not centered on a wealthy woman, the film includes Harriet Vanger, whose disappearance from a rich family sets the plot in motion, involving Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant hacker.

Fact: The film was directed by David Fincher and features a notable performance by Rooney Mara, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her role.

Description: Alfred Hitchcock's adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's novel features Joan Fontaine as a young bride who moves into the grand estate of her wealthy husband, haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and Hitchcock was nominated for Best Director.

Description: Olivia de Havilland plays Catherine Sloper, a shy heiress who inherits a fortune, leading to a complex relationship with a suitor who might be after her money.

Fact: Olivia de Havilland won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance, and the film was nominated for several other Academy Awards.

Description: Linda Fiorentino stars as Bridget Gregory, a cunning femme fatale who uses her wealth and charm to manipulate and deceive those around her, leading to a thrilling game of cat and mouse.

Fact: The film was initially released direct-to-video due to its controversial content but was later given a theatrical release after winning the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.