I have trouble following complicated plots under the best of circumstances. I always have to watch things with my wife so she can explain them to me. So I didn't have a prayer with this ridiculously complicated movie. I have never seen so many characters in such a short film.
But convoluted plots are a common feature of noirs, and I've learned not to try too hard with them, since the plots rarely matter and us die-hard noir fans come for the atmosphere and the terse one-liners. "I Love Trouble" has a good share of both. Franchot Tone may not be my favorite noir anti-hero, but he'll do in a pinch. And Janet Blair is super fetching in the "is she or isn't she?" role of a woman who may be genuine or may be playing our protagonist for everything he's worth. Raymond Burr has a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo, because of course he does. What noir would be complete without an appearance by Raymond Burr?
It's unfortunate that the print I saw of this on TCM was so poor. Some scenes, like those set outside at night, are so dark that you literally can't see what's happening. But it's also a very rare, obscure film, so I guess I should be happy that I was able to see it at all.
Grade: B.
But convoluted plots are a common feature of noirs, and I've learned not to try too hard with them, since the plots rarely matter and us die-hard noir fans come for the atmosphere and the terse one-liners. "I Love Trouble" has a good share of both. Franchot Tone may not be my favorite noir anti-hero, but he'll do in a pinch. And Janet Blair is super fetching in the "is she or isn't she?" role of a woman who may be genuine or may be playing our protagonist for everything he's worth. Raymond Burr has a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo, because of course he does. What noir would be complete without an appearance by Raymond Burr?
It's unfortunate that the print I saw of this on TCM was so poor. Some scenes, like those set outside at night, are so dark that you literally can't see what's happening. But it's also a very rare, obscure film, so I guess I should be happy that I was able to see it at all.
Grade: B.