'Deadline at Dawn' sounded like my kind of film, being a long-term fan of mystery and of film-noir. Of which there are many greats around. The idea of the story sounded really intriguing and Susan Hayward was always worth watching. The more mixed reviews were less promising, with much-respected reviewers not caring that much for 'Deadline at Dawn' and finding it and its story too ridiculous to enjoy or find enough value in it.
Am going to side more with those that did find a lot to like about 'Deadline at Dawn' and quite liked if not loved it. Such as the production values, script and acting, which were more than good and actually in my view closer to being fabulous. While acknowledging of course that the film is a long way from being flawless. Namely the story's second half, which was rather messy. All this will be summed up in the below paragraphs of the review.
Will start with what 'Deadline at Dawn' does well in. It looks terrific, was really quite captivated by the atmosphere-laden photography. There is a genuinely noir-ish look to the lighting, especially in the first act. The music enhances the unsettlement without over-egging it. Another big strength is the script, which is remarkably clever and erudite, Paul Lukas' dialogue not sounding too flowery.
The film starts off very well, the first act is both entertaining and unsettling, with a genuine creepiness at the start. It never feels dull and although the characters are not particularly fleshed out so to speak, surprisingly to me they were still worth caring for. Some inexperience does show in the direction occasionally, some of the action could have been opened up a little more, but for a first and only time as a film credit (being a big influence on Broadway) it's pretty accomplished. The cast do a great job, Hayward giving a sterling performance in particular.
It is a shame though that 'Deadline at Dawn's' second half isn't as good. It is watchable sure, thanks to the visuals and performances, but primarily there could have been much more suspense and the pace actually could have been a little less busy.
More of a problem is that it does get ridiculous to the point of improbability, with it also being too heavy on coincidences. The ending comes far too suddenly and while it is an unpredictable one it is also truly preposterous.
Concluding, pretty good but could have been great if the second half was better. 7/10
Am going to side more with those that did find a lot to like about 'Deadline at Dawn' and quite liked if not loved it. Such as the production values, script and acting, which were more than good and actually in my view closer to being fabulous. While acknowledging of course that the film is a long way from being flawless. Namely the story's second half, which was rather messy. All this will be summed up in the below paragraphs of the review.
Will start with what 'Deadline at Dawn' does well in. It looks terrific, was really quite captivated by the atmosphere-laden photography. There is a genuinely noir-ish look to the lighting, especially in the first act. The music enhances the unsettlement without over-egging it. Another big strength is the script, which is remarkably clever and erudite, Paul Lukas' dialogue not sounding too flowery.
The film starts off very well, the first act is both entertaining and unsettling, with a genuine creepiness at the start. It never feels dull and although the characters are not particularly fleshed out so to speak, surprisingly to me they were still worth caring for. Some inexperience does show in the direction occasionally, some of the action could have been opened up a little more, but for a first and only time as a film credit (being a big influence on Broadway) it's pretty accomplished. The cast do a great job, Hayward giving a sterling performance in particular.
It is a shame though that 'Deadline at Dawn's' second half isn't as good. It is watchable sure, thanks to the visuals and performances, but primarily there could have been much more suspense and the pace actually could have been a little less busy.
More of a problem is that it does get ridiculous to the point of improbability, with it also being too heavy on coincidences. The ending comes far too suddenly and while it is an unpredictable one it is also truly preposterous.
Concluding, pretty good but could have been great if the second half was better. 7/10