Midweek Movie

The best film noir, to me, apart from the cinematography, is that where an ordinary innocent who might perhaps be feisty or disobedient, something at least which could move a plot along, is suddenly caught up and often is on the run.

I particularly like where strong feeling for someone kicks in - in this case, the mother for the daughter.  This one is really for mothers with daughters, although creepy James Mason is strong, as ever.

IMDb

[Remember that all of our reviews are by amateurs, not known film critics]

This movie is result of an unusual combination, of a foreign movie director working within limitations of Hollywood in the 40's. This is really one most impressive thrillers and of my favorite movies. Ophuls does a great job working within pretty simple story line and illustrating how strong of a grip a family can have on a person life and how quickly it can come apart when fate intervenes. 

Ophul's camera creates nagging, dark atmosphere out of this middle class community, sort of like on a Twin Peaks episode. The story deals with a housewife, played by Joan Bennett, having to manage her family while her husband is abroad. Her daughter's relationship eventually escalates into blackmail and Joan has to deal secretly by herself with this problem, while trying to manage her family and keep everything under control. 

Bennett is excellent at portraying a person whose world is slowly caving in under pressure. Ophuls cleverly uses just about every scene to illustrate the tensions and inner conflicts of Bennett's character. James Mason is great as a refined crook who suddenly finds himself feeling empathy for others. 

Can't think of too many actors who could pull this off, or other places in time where this character would work. In addition to strong acting performances, there are lot of interesting allegory in the things which Ophuls shows and a very strong ending make this movie a masterpiece.