8/10
classic noir
8 February 2016
Bedridden New York cough-drop heiress Leona Stevenson (Barbara Stanwyck) calls her husband Henry (Burt Lancaster)'s office. The lines get crossed. She listens to a mystery man confirming with George on a plan to murder a woman that night at 11:15. In flashbacks, Leona stole Henry from sweet Sally Hunt. They get married despite her successful drugstore chain owner father's objection. Sally Hunt is now married to a lawyer from the D.A. office. She tells Leona about her husband's mysterious investigation and possible connection to Henry.

This is classic noir. Barbara Stanwyck is terrific in her posh room. I would be perfectly happy with less flashbacks and more of her in that room. The shadows and darkness outside give a claustrophobic sense of the situation. I'm not sure why Sally Hunt is trying to help Leona who was so cruel to her. Again, I would like less explanations except for that great Staten Island location. This has a lot of similarities with my favorite psychological thriller of all times Rear Window. Great noir!
12 out of 17 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed