I just received a wonderful copy of this film from TCM Shop. I was expecting a problem with the color, since a copy I had received from a fellow collector had strange color - pink for the sky and green in wrong places several years ago. (However, fingers crossed, I was hoping for an improvement).
Though the film still has a disclaimer because of the ANCSCO Color problem, I was pleasantly surprised to see beautiful vivid color. Everything appears to be corrected as far as I can tell.
THe acting of Charles Laughton, Franchot Tone, and Burgess Meredith was superb. I also liked Patricia Roc, Belita, and Jean Wallace in their roles. Not only were they totally convincing, but the breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and gorgeous Paris scenes were quite intriguing. Every scene is vivid and interesting. It was a pleasure to see Wilfred-Hyde White as Radek's former professor who was even afraid of him!
Though the film is quite serious, there is a little humor toward the beginning when a waiter in a cafe shows Robert Hutton to the bar, where his wife and "his little blonde" are waiting.
As the basic plot of the film has been described in previous reviews, I will just briefly comment on this great film.
This Film Noir has the viewer on the edge of their chair during the cat and mouse scenes where the taunting killer leads Inspector Maigret and his assistants on a wild chase through the streets of Paris and over the rooftops. The climatic scenes are very frightening as he climbs the Eiffel Tower, with the man he had framed (Burgess Meredith) close behind him in deadly pursuit.
A highly entertaining and timeless film accompanied by very lovely music.
Though the film still has a disclaimer because of the ANCSCO Color problem, I was pleasantly surprised to see beautiful vivid color. Everything appears to be corrected as far as I can tell.
THe acting of Charles Laughton, Franchot Tone, and Burgess Meredith was superb. I also liked Patricia Roc, Belita, and Jean Wallace in their roles. Not only were they totally convincing, but the breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and gorgeous Paris scenes were quite intriguing. Every scene is vivid and interesting. It was a pleasure to see Wilfred-Hyde White as Radek's former professor who was even afraid of him!
Though the film is quite serious, there is a little humor toward the beginning when a waiter in a cafe shows Robert Hutton to the bar, where his wife and "his little blonde" are waiting.
As the basic plot of the film has been described in previous reviews, I will just briefly comment on this great film.
This Film Noir has the viewer on the edge of their chair during the cat and mouse scenes where the taunting killer leads Inspector Maigret and his assistants on a wild chase through the streets of Paris and over the rooftops. The climatic scenes are very frightening as he climbs the Eiffel Tower, with the man he had framed (Burgess Meredith) close behind him in deadly pursuit.
A highly entertaining and timeless film accompanied by very lovely music.