Overcooked film noir, enjoyable but nearly on a camp level. Ella Raines (always an interesting actress) plays a secretary attempting to clear her handsome boss on a murder charge, going after the real killer herself. Well-written B-picture--penned by Bernard C. Schoenfeld from a Cornell Woolrich novel--includes some very interesting staging and photography, one justifiably famous sequence with Elisha Cook, Jr. performing a manic drum solo. Supporting cast (including Franchot Tone and Alan Curtis) is a little weak, but Raines acquits herself nicely in this scenario. Film is overflowing with ham-handed touches, yet is undeniably potent in a trashy, seedy way. **1/2 from ****
Review of Phantom Lady
