I just watched Tainted Lady for the first time—wow. The sheriff’s repeated attempts to assault Ellen in jail were deeply disturbing. He isolates her, tells the deputy not to interrupt, and even starts taking off his belt. I was shocked at that scene!
Even the murderer, Laura, counts on his predatory behavior and says, "I knew he'd be so anxious to get Ellen in his jail, he wouldn't concern himself with proof!"
Both actors acted that jail scene very well; it was skin-crawling!
The mob scene was also powerful. The townspeople surround the car, pounding on it and shouting accusations at Ellen. It really captures how terrifying it must be to be judged in public and treated as guilty without proof. It shows how cruel people can be when they don’t have the full story. It was a roller coaster of an episode!