There seems to be a debate about whether or not this is film noir. Well, I'm not sure about that, but I am rather sure that this is one of the very few classic films that I have ever seen that I find somewhat disturbing. It is not often that we see the premeditated murder of a child on-screen, so this is very powerful, and I'm almost surprised it was allowed considering the 1945 filming.
It is unfortunate, considering the Sedona location, that much of the outdoor filming there was during a very cloudy day, thus making the striking scenery look full and drab. Added to that the film transfer, it's a downright shame and deserving of much criticism. It would also be interesting to see a restoration from the original nitrate films (impossible now due to their destruction), because in many scenes the faces (in particular) look so very pasty, while other scenes seem not at all sharp. Further, while some of the exterior shots are lush, others are so cheap looking that it's almost laughable.
In terms of acting, I would have to say this is Gene Tierney's finest role. She combines so very well what the role needed -- sugary sweet in some scenes, cruel and psychotic in others.
I am less satisfied with Cornel Wilde here. There are a number of his scenes -- particularly in Sedona -- where his dialog seems very staged and stilted.
I always loved Jeanne Crain, and here you really have to wait until the second half of the film for her role to take on pivotal importance. Ray Collins, as a family friend, was always a welcomed character actor, as was Gene Lockhart, here as the doctor. A standout supporting role here is the one by Darryl Hickman, as the young polio-stricken brother of Cornel Wilde. And Chill Wills is...Chill Wills...but for a change provides an understated performance. The one supporting performance that seems off the beam to me is Vincent Price -- there is a limit as to just how pompous a lawyer should be! The plot is well done, particularly as you approach the end of the film and the surprise occurs when you get to the courtroom. Not at all what you probably thought was going to happen. It's a very good plot twist.
Not a perfect film, but an excellent one overall. Highly recommended.
It is unfortunate, considering the Sedona location, that much of the outdoor filming there was during a very cloudy day, thus making the striking scenery look full and drab. Added to that the film transfer, it's a downright shame and deserving of much criticism. It would also be interesting to see a restoration from the original nitrate films (impossible now due to their destruction), because in many scenes the faces (in particular) look so very pasty, while other scenes seem not at all sharp. Further, while some of the exterior shots are lush, others are so cheap looking that it's almost laughable.
In terms of acting, I would have to say this is Gene Tierney's finest role. She combines so very well what the role needed -- sugary sweet in some scenes, cruel and psychotic in others.
I am less satisfied with Cornel Wilde here. There are a number of his scenes -- particularly in Sedona -- where his dialog seems very staged and stilted.
I always loved Jeanne Crain, and here you really have to wait until the second half of the film for her role to take on pivotal importance. Ray Collins, as a family friend, was always a welcomed character actor, as was Gene Lockhart, here as the doctor. A standout supporting role here is the one by Darryl Hickman, as the young polio-stricken brother of Cornel Wilde. And Chill Wills is...Chill Wills...but for a change provides an understated performance. The one supporting performance that seems off the beam to me is Vincent Price -- there is a limit as to just how pompous a lawyer should be! The plot is well done, particularly as you approach the end of the film and the surprise occurs when you get to the courtroom. Not at all what you probably thought was going to happen. It's a very good plot twist.
Not a perfect film, but an excellent one overall. Highly recommended.