 |  | Scarlet Street Delivers ! |  |
Although I liked "The Woman in the Window" this film with the same two major stars is much more involved.
"Scarlet Street" is a film that delivers it all and more. Joan Bennett as always is a delight to look at on screen.
Dan Duryea is perfect as the slimy, pimp like character. I can't think of anyone who would have played his roll better.
This movie is a must for any "film noir" collection.
February 27, 2008Good movie but very annoying to sit and listen to(Poor sound Quality). Kino Video seems to have this problem in quite a few of their movies. I have over 250 1940's in my collection and rarely run into this problem.
October 9, 2007| | | Edward G Robinson- Tough Guy No More! | |
Actor Edward G. Robinson evokes many images: biblical figure, esteemed business executive, erudite professor, and perennial gangster. In Fritz Lang's multi-layered noir classic Scarlet Street, Robinson convincingly portrays a meek, gulible store cashier who becomes intangled in a spider woman's alluring plot of deception. Lang's film is filled with sexual themes that pushed the limits of Hollywood's protectionist Production Code. The film's 1945 release date marked an immoral counterpoint to post WWII conventionality and American conservatism. Joan Bennett sizzles as the manipulative prostitute Kitty March. Kitty willingly accepts the mental and physical abuse of her pimp played brilliantly by noir stalwart Dan Duryea. But Kitty is no desperate fall girl, she has rationalized her relationship with Johnny as one enveloped in romantic love. To Kitty her "marriage" to Johnny is one that works because all couples that are deeply in love fight. The only elements missing in Kitty's blissful world are respectful occupations, extended families, a home, children, and shared intimacy. Lang's dark film purposely omits any hints of normalcy. Instead Kitty and Johnny's world is one characterized by street hustles, grifting, and deception. Their meal ticket mark is Chris Cross (Edward G. Robinson) who washes dishes in an apron for a wife that still adores her first, late husband. Chris has spent 25 unnoticed years as a store cashier and only truely enjoys life when he paints on Sunday afternoons. That is until Chris meets Kitty. Other reviewers have commented on the storyline, but a few scenes in this noir film are golden moments of the genre. When Kitty finally bursts Chris's naive bubble by shouting: " I've been wanting to laugh in your face ever since I met you. You're old and ugly and I'm sick of you!" murder becomes the only way for Chris to retain his manhood. Chris has gotten away with murder not once, but twice. The innocent Johnny is sent to the electric chair for Kitty's murder and thus both of Chris's tormentors are gone. Or are they really? Director Lang has weaved a complex picture that reveals many human weaknesses, vices, and temptations: embezzelment, infidelity, suicide, blackmail, prostitution, murder, injustice, and love are all present on this dark city canvass. This one is a must see and keeper for all noir enthusiasts.
July 4, 2007Catharsis is good for people.
Everyone has some blood on their hands as they get older.
This movie reaches into your guilts and twists.
I've seen it twice now.
The first time I liked it,
but didn't ever really want to see it again.
This time when I watched it I could appreciate
how the master film maker has worked.
It is said to be a remake of the French Renoir's La Chienne:
I don't know if I would want to be able to see that deeply into the human
condition?!
March 29, 2007| | | Terrific film noir with beautiful Joan Bennett | |
This is a great film noir starring the wonderful Edward G. Robinson, beautiful Joan Bennett and terrific Dan Duryea. Joan is spectacular in this film as the gold-digging hussy who in the beginning still has attacks of conscience. Duryea really plays it up as her sleazy con man boyfriend - smooth like vodka on the rocks. Robinson plays a sweet, harmless unhappily married man looking for someone who understands & appreciates him. The actress playing his wife is obnoxious and mean as a skunk. Duryea & Bennett take Robinson for a "ride" milking him for everything they can get. However, the "sweet and harmless" Robinson finally gets even with both of them - and they had it coming! The print quality of this dvd is pretty good - hopefully, they'll remaster it. I think this film is up there with "Out of the Past", "Double Indemnity", "Criss Cross". I just loved seeing Bennett play a sassy female turned vicious gold-digger with no heart. She was a terrific actress and never received the honors due.
February 3, 2007More reviews at Amazon.com ...
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