Private investigator Bradford Galt has a troubled past, starting afresh in New York, it seems the past is back to get him though as an old nemesis may be out to kill him? But, aided by his intrepid secretary, Kathleen, he intends to get to the bottom of the shady mystery that's lurking in the dark corner.
Henry Hathaway (Kiss of Death/Call Northside 777) directs this very tidy Noir/Crime picture that stars Lucille Ball, Clifton Webb, William Bendix and Mark Stevens. Expertly photographed by Joseph MacDonald, The Dark Corner has a plot that although simple to follow, has a few tricks up its sleeve along the way. Though it ultimately amounts to really being a race against the clock "whodunit," as opposed to a gritty web of deceit, there's dashes of brutality and pinging dialogue to ensure that interest is held for the viewer right up to the finale. Hathaway and MacDonald utilise the Manhattan setting to the max, be it the more affluent side of the story involving Webb's art gallery, or the down and dirty penny arcade streets where the likes of William Bendix prowl. Fine settings that are given a shadowy sheen by the talented makers. The cast are strong, particularly Lucille Ball as Kathleen and the little snatches of jazz in the score heighten the mood.
Recommended with confidence for fans of Noir/Crime/Mystery movies of the 40s and 50s. 7/10
Henry Hathaway (Kiss of Death/Call Northside 777) directs this very tidy Noir/Crime picture that stars Lucille Ball, Clifton Webb, William Bendix and Mark Stevens. Expertly photographed by Joseph MacDonald, The Dark Corner has a plot that although simple to follow, has a few tricks up its sleeve along the way. Though it ultimately amounts to really being a race against the clock "whodunit," as opposed to a gritty web of deceit, there's dashes of brutality and pinging dialogue to ensure that interest is held for the viewer right up to the finale. Hathaway and MacDonald utilise the Manhattan setting to the max, be it the more affluent side of the story involving Webb's art gallery, or the down and dirty penny arcade streets where the likes of William Bendix prowl. Fine settings that are given a shadowy sheen by the talented makers. The cast are strong, particularly Lucille Ball as Kathleen and the little snatches of jazz in the score heighten the mood.
Recommended with confidence for fans of Noir/Crime/Mystery movies of the 40s and 50s. 7/10