The Woman in the Window (1944)

Richard Wanley: There are only three ways to deal with a blackmailer. You can pay him and pay him and pay him until you're penniless. Or you can call the police yourself and let your secret be known to the world. Or you can kill him.

Director:  Fritz Lang
Producer:  Nunnally Johnson
Main Cast: Edward G. Robinson, Joan Bennett, Dan Duryea
Runtime:  99 minutes

Another Film Noir that is often seen in the “Best of” list. The Woman in the Window is one that takes you on a ride from the start to the very end and is another outstanding example of Film Noir (apart from the ending, more on that later) where the main characters get caught into a sticky situation with little, if any, way out.  A brilliant film by Fritz Lang.

The film begins with Professor Richard Wanley (Edward G. Robinson) sending his wife and two kids away on a trip he is unable to attend.  Afterwards he meets up with his two friends (a Doctor and District Attorney) and they discuss, among other things, the wonderful painting of a woman in the window next door to their club and have a laugh at what they would do if they met the girl in real life.  Soon after they leave Professor Wanley goes and takes one more look at the painting and as he gazes into the window a reflection of the painting's subject, Alice Reed (Joan Bennett,) appears in the window.  After some chatting and a drink at the bar he ends up in her apartment to look at some other art sketches and a general chit-chat when they get confronted by Alice’s boyfriend who misinterprets the situation and begins a fight.  In self defense the boyfriend gets killed and to protect their reputation both Richard and Alice try to cover up the killing.

I have seen this movie several times and enjoy it just as much as the first time.  The Professor does end up putting his foot in his mouth a few times which appears a little silly but apart from that it is well thought out and acted wonderfully.  The main trio (Edward G. Robinson, Joan Bennett and Dan Duryea) were so good together that Fritz Lang (director) got them together for another movie along similar lines called Scarlet Street (1945) which again, is listed in many of the Best Film Noir lists around the Net.  Edward G. Robinson is his usual excellent self and Joan Bennett is perfect as they try to get themselves out of trouble. Then along comes the slimy character of Dan Duryea (often seen in Film Noir as the bad guy) who slips in to take them both for a ride in a hope of getting some financial gain.  His plays the role wonderfully with the sly way way he talks and acts.  

Without giving anything away, the original ending of the film had to be changed to meet the Hayes Code ( a set of guidelines as to what can and cannot be included in movies – enforced 1936 till 1968) so its not the real ending intended (which was much darker) by the director but nevertheless works well.

The film ranks quite high and whilst everyone has their own personal preferences and likes, this one sits in the top 10 of my favourite Film Noir from the 40’s and 50’s though I am sure it would be a tough call to build such a list.  

The DVD reviewed is the Australian release which has the film with no extras.  The image is in the usual 1.33:1 aspect ratio and is very good in quality though there are a few sections where the quality does vary a little which is no fault of the transfer to DVD as such but rather of the original source.  The audio is good for a movie of this age and is presented in the usual mono with generally clear dialogue.  There is a Bluray available but it appears the DVD still trumps it in terms of quality.  

Overall this is a master work of Fritz Lang and therefore comes Very Highly Recommended!

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The Square (2008)

Director:  Nash Edgerton
Producer:  Louise Smith
Main Cast:  David Roberts, Claire van der Boom, Peter Phelps, Bill Hunter
Runtime:  105 minutes

Thought I would review something a little different for Noirvember. The usual country of origin that comes to mind when “Noir” is mentioned is usually U.S.A. primarily because of those classic 40’s and 50’s films and of course the numerous Neo Noir from the 60’s onwards, however what if Australia made a neo noir?  The movie in mini-review today is an Aussie crack at neo noir and to be honest its really good!

Filmed in and around Sydney (Sutherland Shire primarily), Raymond (David Roberts) and Carla (Claire van der Boom) are having a secret affair.  One afternoon Carla sees her husband with a bag of drug money and plans with her secret lover to steal the cash and runaway to a place where they can live freely together…. happily ever after.  But as always nothing goes quite to plan and slowly they start digging themselves deeper and deeper into trouble.

The above screenshot really explains the story and title of this great Aussie flic, a man being trapped in a box where each direction he looks feels like a dead end with no way out.  This great movie is really similar to the likes of Fargo and is neo noir through and through.  Considering this is Nash Edgerton’s first feature film it is one heck of a crack and well worth watching but I must say that there is a bit of swearing in the movie so take note. Its not over the top but still prevalent but that aside it is a really good movie if you like films similar in nature to Fargo (1996), Get Carter (1971), Harry Brown (2009), Payback (1999) sort of flavour.

I managed to snag one of the two-disc special edition DVD’s which you can still get (JB-Hifi and eBay) and is really the best version to get cause its loaded with extras should you wish to delve a bit deeper into the movie. There is no Bluray release.

The image is in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and has good image quality though its not as sharp as many other modern movies, perhaps intentionally or due to type of filming equipment (shot on 16mm film as opposed to digital). The audio comes in the usual Dolby Digital 5.1 flavour and sounds good with clear dialogue.  The 2-disc DVD also comes with the following extras:

• Audio Commentary by filmmakers
• “Inside The Square” featurette
• Trailers
• Deleted Scenes
• Pre-Visualisation featurette
• Visual Effects featurette
• Music Video
• ‘Spider’ short film by Nash Edgerton
• Popcorn Taxi Q & A
• Production Stills

Overall another great Aussie film that screams Noir and well worth watching.  Highly Recommended if you like films like Fargo.

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The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946)

Martha Ivers: You've *killed* before, it's in your record.
Sam Masterson: *I* never *murdered*.

Director: Lewis Milestone
Producer: Hal B. Wallis
Main Cast: Barbara Stanwyck, Van Helfin, Lizabeth Scott, Kirk Douglas
Runtime: 111 minutes

Being straight to the point, Barbara Stanwyck (Double Indemnity), Lizabeth Scott (Too Late for Tears), Van Helfin (Shane) and a first feature film by Kirk Douglas (Out of the Past, Spartacus) all star in this wonderful Film Noir that will keep you in for the whole trip.

A young Martha Ivers (Janis Wilson) has a close friendship with a young Sam Masterson (Darryl Hickman) and distrustful relationship with a young Walter O,Neil (Mickey Kuhn).  Martha and Sam have run away in a hope to get away from her rich aunt Mrs Ivers (Judith Anderson), however they are caught and Martha is dragged to her aunts with tragic consequences while Sam runs away.  Years later, Sam (Van Helfin) returns to his hometown only to realise that Martha (Barbara Stanwyck) and Walter (Kirk Douglas) are now married and the young “cry baby” Walter appears to be a different person but both have a secret that cannot be revealed.  Sam crosses paths with Toni (Lizabeth Scott) and strikes a quick friendship that soon turns into something more however the past love Sam has for Martha still lingers.  As Sam meets up with Walter and Martha that past begins to haunt them.

The ratings for this film are certainly justified.  The acting is great and the story really, really good with suspense, mystery and a good ol dose of noir.  I must confess that I have only seen Lizabeth Scott in one movie prior to this (Too Late for Tears) and was impressed and she is just as good in this and that’s not putting down the great efforts by Van Helfin, Barbara Stanwyck and Kirk Douglas.  The title of the film is quite appropriate for the movie as Martha is indeed an odd over powering character that loves to get her own way while Kirk surprising plays the opposite when his defenses are down.  It’s quite amazing how one little flash of temper can haunt you for the rest of your life and how true that is for us even today. If you havnt seen this one yet, get your paws on a copy of the DVD and sit back and enjoy the show!

The DVD reviewed is the Australian release and is shown in the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio with the usual Dolby Mono audio which sounds fine.  The image is really good with some film grain present, few scratches, speckles and blotches all of which makes for a fine viewing experience especially considering that some scenes are in the dark which would make a weak transfer stand out.  There are no special features on the DVD.  There is a Region Free Bluray available from the U.S. but frankly unless you really wanted the few extra special features, I would stick with the DVD as the Bluray can look a bit waxy due to extra noise reduction that frankly was not required when comparing it to the DVD.  For less the $10 AUD you can get the Aussie DVD and a great image.

Overall it’s a great film that I would highly recommend and would be on the “must-see” list for any film noir freaks.  It’s just a really well acted story backed up with suspense and for less than AUD10, it’s a bargain.

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Detour (1945) - Noirvember

Vera: I'm gonna see that you sell this car so you don't get caught.
Al Roberts: Thanks! Of course, your interest wouldn't be financial, would it? You wouldn't want a small percentage of the profits?
Vera: Well, now that you insist, how can I refuse? 100% will do!
Al Roberts: Fine! I'm relieved! I thought for a moment you were gonna take it all!
Vera: I don't wanna be a hog!

Director:  Edgar G. Ulmer
Producer:  Leon Fromkess
Main Cast:  Tom Neal, Ann Savage
Runtime:  68 minutes

So, you want a quick full-on introduction to what Film Noir is?  Made on a low budget and filmed in about 28 days, Detour (1945) is the epitome of Film Noir.  It was the first “B” movie to be chosen by the Library on Congress in 1992 for preservation (the same year in which a direct remake of the film starring Tom Neal’s own son playing the same character as his father did some 42 years earlier) which in itself says a lot about the importance of this film in history, particularly Film Noir history.  Much like the Noir classic D.O.A (1950), this film just screams noir and ranks high because of that yet sadly it also does not have a decent release available for the public to enjoy.

Soon after the movie starts Al Roberts (Tom Neal) is in a diner and the scene darkens while a dim light shines on his eyes as he begins to narrate the tragic story of how he came to be in this low state he is currently in.  He recalls the fun times of being in a jazz band in New York but in particular the joy he had when he was with his girl Sue Harvey (Claudia Drake).  Then comes the news that Sue is moving west to Hollywood and sometime later Al decides to hitchhike his way to Hollywood to meet up again with Sue and marry her.  His journey however, led him on a very different path.  The driver (Charles Haskel Jr. played by Edmund MacDonald) of his main ride to the west mysteriously dies and afraid that the police will not believe him, Al hides the body and takes on his identity.  All seemed to be going ok until Al ends up crossing paths with a girl who knew Charles Haskell and she ends up blackmailing him.

Yep, the above look is not one of love and affection!  Ann Savage plays the part to a “T” and it was even said that her performance was 30 years ahead of its time.  Tom Neal plays bit a of a weak fella whose main goal is simply to reach the girl he loves and ends up making bad choices along the way until he meets up with Ann’s character who makes it all the worse.  

I had heard so much about this movie while exploring the “Film Noir” theme and whilst it was not the first Noir, it was certainly ground-breaking in its raw portrayal of the femme fatale and therefore in some ways ahead of its time.  Unlike the majority of Film Noir’s, a good portion of the film is in rural areas and smaller towns, though not to the same extent as Rode the Pink Horse, Border Incident or The Live by Night along with various others, but the Noir theme is so strong and clear in the hopelessness of Al and the obsessive passion of Vera that it just cannot be missed.  Al’s desire is to go to Hollywood to be with his sweetheart but when he arrives he is held back from making contact because of Vera’s possessive behaviour that has desire for him but to a somewhat lesser extent than the potential dollars that could be coming her way if she can just convince Al to pull of one more impersonation of Charles Haskell Jr. (the original driver who mysteriously died).  With two characters at the edge something has to give and…..well your just going to have to watch it to find out how it ends!

The DVD reviewed was imported from USA and was released by a company called Image Entertainment which is the best one to go for as it has the strongest image compared to the other releases out there.  I was able to snag this one for about AUD $14 through Fishpond so they are available but you just need to dig around a little.  That aside, the film is in the public domain (no one has renewed the copyright for the film) so you can get it on Youtube or in the archive of public domain films here https://archive.org/details/Film_Noir along with many others.

The image quality of this DVD is in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio and is quite good from a detail and sharpness point of view, though there is a lot of scratches, dust, marks and whatever else you can think of but it’s not a mushy mess like some of the other releases (you can see a comparison here http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompare3/detour.htm) and whilst the audio is OK, there are some instances where it drops out for a fraction of a second along with a few missed frames.  So overall, it’s not what you would show if you were trying to give a good example of what a restored film looks like, but it’s the best copy of the film we have publicly available so we can’t complain.

The film is simply a classic Film Noir and is begging for a good restoration.  It’s not big budget high quality stuff like Out of the Past or In a Lonely Place but simply just reeks of Noir themes with a great femme fatale.  Hopefully a good source will be found and a boutique company like Arrow or Criterion will be able to give it a fresh restoration to bring life back into this cracker of a Noir.  Highly recommended for Noir fans!

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