Reviewer:
jskoch
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July 16, 2023
Subject:
Smart, witty noir set in 1848 NYC
Very well scripted. Sharp, tightly written dialog. One example: Madeline Minot (Caron) asks her dying host's (Louis Calhern) butler, "What is causing his death?" The butler (Joe DeSantis) replies dryly, "His life."
The casting couldn't be better. Leslie Caron is charming as the innocent, idealistic Madeline. Stanwyck is cynical, cooly elegant, and intelligent, verbally jousting with the equally articulate and worldly wise Dupin (Joseph Cotten). Each supporting actor -- including the frequently seen and heard Jim Backus as a tavern owner -- serves the script well. The rich old man (Calhern) even has a marvelous pet raven.
Definitely recommend to anyone who is either already into noir or wants to be introduced to the genre. The revelation at the end may or may not surprise, but, regardless, it's most fitting.