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!

Movie     
Image
Disc