This superb Technicolor noir from 1952 is a real eyeopener for viewers who only know MM as a breathy musical or comedy star. MM's drama roles of this early period are well worth finding, especially also DON'T BOTHER TO KNOCK and even LADIES OF THE CHORUS from 1948. However NIAGARA is a star vehicle that delivers in glorious Technicolor and serious scare. One daylight fright with Joseph Cotton is genuine enough to get an audience off their seats, and all through MM gives as strong a performance as Cotten and gorgeous Jean Peters. Only Max Showalter as the Honeymoon Husband is tedious and obvious. Wonderful location footage and spectacular eerie tone is evident and appealing only with some lame back projected footage in key moments to yank the viewer away from the tense drama. Viewers will also think of CAPE FEAR in certain moments. The use of chimes and the song KISS is very effective and the alarming scenes in the tower, especially the stairway are seen again in VERTIGO. Any film that can pre flag those two films from the late 50s as this 1952 Fox production does is deserving of the discovery/classic status NIAGARA has. Monroe clearly nude in bed under a sheet in her opening scene is a real crowd pleaser.
