Tension (1949): cast, story & where to watch
1949 · Film · ★ 6.7

Released in 1949, Tension is a thriller, drama, crime and romance film directed by John Berry, running about 95 minutes. “The hard-hitting story of a man with a plan...REVENGE!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Warren Quimby manages a drugstore while trying to keep his volatile wife, Claire, happy. However, when Claire leaves him for a liquor store salesman, Warren can no longer bear it. He decides to assume a new identity in order to murder his wife's lover without leaving a trace. Along the way, his plans are complicated by an attractive neighbor, as well as a shocking discovery that opens up a new world of doubts and accusations.
Who’s in it. Tension stars Nina Young as Pamela, Gary Olsen as Bob Payne, Michael Fenton Stevens as Mo and Richard Basehart as Warren Quimby, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.7/10, Tension has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Tension page.
If you liked it. Fans of Tension tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Tension (1949)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Tension change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Tension worth watching?
- Tension holds an audience score of 6.7 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, drama, crime and romance. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Tension?
- Tension stars Nina Young, Gary Olsen, Michael Fenton Stevens, Richard Basehart and Jonathan Aris.
- When was Tension released?
- Tension was released in 1949, with a runtime of about 95 minutes.
