Do not read a synopsis of this film-- I am not writing one-- a lot of the effect is achieved through the surprising trajectory of the movie, which is an excellent proto-noir piece.
The performances are good, and never has Dick Powell been better. I think of this guy in terms of Busby Berkley musicals and the excellent Sturges comedy Christmas in July, but here he turns in a subtle and believable performance that is fresh and modern and far more REAL than many of his contemporaries. This is the kind of thing you'd expect from Bogart or Aldo Ray and I was impressed by his work and the daring piece overall.
It is amazing how much edgier mainstream Hollywood movie were once allowed to be--- nothing like this is coming out as a major release these days.
Striking and authentic.
(I saw a 35mm print of the movie at Anthology Film Archives, N.Y.)
The performances are good, and never has Dick Powell been better. I think of this guy in terms of Busby Berkley musicals and the excellent Sturges comedy Christmas in July, but here he turns in a subtle and believable performance that is fresh and modern and far more REAL than many of his contemporaries. This is the kind of thing you'd expect from Bogart or Aldo Ray and I was impressed by his work and the daring piece overall.
It is amazing how much edgier mainstream Hollywood movie were once allowed to be--- nothing like this is coming out as a major release these days.
Striking and authentic.
(I saw a 35mm print of the movie at Anthology Film Archives, N.Y.)