The Woman in the Window (1944)

Classic Fritz Lang

Fritz Lang directed some great films in Hollywood during the 1940s and The Woman in the Window is one of them. A professor's (Edward G. Robinson) chance encounter with a beautiful model (Joan Bennett) turns into a nightmare of nail-biting suspense. In a crazy turn of events, the mild-mannered Robinson kills Bennett's boyfriend in self-defense. What should Robinson and Bennett do next is the question. The course they choose propels this melodrama and hooks the viewer from the start. You find yourself pulling for both Bennett and Robinson's cover-up because the two are sympathetic and likeable characters. Taught direction, a great screenplay, combined with excellent characterizations from Robinson, Bennett, and Dan Duryea, make for great film entertainment. April 3, 2008

A Film With A Twist !

Edward G. Robinson does a fine job as the unassuming character in this film. Joan Bennett is a treat for the eyes ! A film that will hold you until the end. February 27, 2008

masterpiece that rivals Hitchcock

this rare gem of a film rivals Hitchcock in suspense. i urge anyone who hasn't seen this film not to read any reviews before viewing it. don't cheat yourself out of a great viewing experience.

i have been collecting classic films for years, first on video than dvd and i have never seen this great movie. the only movie that possibly comes close to the mind blowing experience this one does is "Beyond A Reasonable Doubt" which was released in 1956, 12 years after this one.

i will not reveal any significant plot details in this review. just trust me that if you're a classic film conniseur as i am you won't be disappointed. sit down, dim the lights and prepare to be fully engrossed and enveloped into one of Fritz Lang's masterpieces.

as for the DVD, the print is very good and so is the audio. no real extras here, but you don't need them. the film itself is sufficient. February 26, 2008

Even Fritz Lang can make a stinker

As far as films noir go, this one blows. Contrived garbage. See 'Scarlett Street' for fritz best work in this style. 'm' as well. February 8, 2008

Enjoyable Murder Drama that Launched Dan Duryea's Face-Slapping Career.

"The Woman in the Window" is an enjoyable, suspenseful murder drama, as they were called at the time, that is also notable for launching Dan Duryea's string of "sadistic dandy" roles, upon which he built a lucrative career in the 1940s. Middle-aged professor Richard Wanley (Edmund G. Robinson) admires a portrait of a comely young woman in a shop window before meeting some friends at his club. After joking about the perils of adventure in middle age, Wanley is pleasantly surprised to run into the model from the portrait, Alice Reed (Joan Bennett). When he accepts an invitation to Alice's apartment to look at some artwork, the harmless flirtation turns deadly: Wanley is forced to kill a jealous boyfriend in self-defense, and his friend Police Inspector Frank Lalor (Raymond Massey) is investigating the crime.

"The Woman in the Window" was released in January 1945. Edmund G. Robinson, Joan Bennett, Dan Duryea, and director Fritz Lang reunited for "Scarlet Street" later that year. Scarlet Street is darker and has more depth, with a very different message than "The Woman in the Window". It is a great film noir, while this is a solid murder drama. But "The Woman in the Window" excels in creating suspense around the issue of trust. Richard and Alice are likeable, ordinary people who barely know one another but must place their faith in each other if they are to escape an unpleasant fate. Dan Duryea's role as the dead man's blackmailing bodyguard doesn't display his talent as well as several later roles in the same vein would, but it started an unforgettable trend.

The DVD (MGM 2007): The print is good. There are no bonus features. Subtitles are available in English and Spanish. Dubbing is available in French and Spanish. November 11, 2007

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