THE MAN I LOVE is a "vibe movie." The plot is thin as can be, a collection of postwar trauma and unrequited romances that never quite coalesces into a satisfying whole. The atmosphere is great though, a woman's picture filtered through the grim sensibility of film noir. It's all smoky streets at night and dames singing blues ballads in lowdown nightclubs. It's Ida Lupino talking tough and looking out for her sisters while nursing her own broken heart.
Lupino shines as Petey Brown, a nightclub songstress in love with a divorced man. She nails the balancing act between vulnerable and iron-willed perfectly. This isn't really a great film, but Petey is definitely one of Lupino's most memorable roles and that makes the whole thing very entertaining.
Lupino shines as Petey Brown, a nightclub songstress in love with a divorced man. She nails the balancing act between vulnerable and iron-willed perfectly. This isn't really a great film, but Petey is definitely one of Lupino's most memorable roles and that makes the whole thing very entertaining.