This is a film seldom seen these days. We saw it before as part of a Film Noir series, so it was a surprise when it was shown on the Fox Channel the other night because it gave us a chance to rediscover this 1945 Otto Preminger movie. The director was lucky in casting Dana Andrews, his "Laura" star, in the film.
The main reason for watching the film, again and again, is the sensational cinematography by Joseph LaShelle. This movie will be a treat for those fans who appreciate the fine detail this great camera man created for "Fallen Angels". The coastal California town gets a fabulous treatment in the hands of Mr. LaShelle. Also, the music score by David Raskin, working again with the director is typical of the times where the action takes place.
We are introduced to a Eric Stanton traveling by Greyhound bus toward one of the big California cities, but not having enough funds, he must get off in a remote place. He is perhaps not ready for what he is going to encounter. For better, or for worse, he goes into the seaside cafe where Stella, the beautiful waitress is the 'star' attraction among the male population of the town. One can feel the heat emanating from Stella, as well as what effect her presence has on all the men that visit the place.
The film shows that most of the story has been modified to satisfy the studio executives, because it doesn't make sense most of the time. We are witnesses to political incorrectness when the police chief beats a witness repeatedly in order to extract a confession from him. Also, the instant romance between June Mills, the spinster church organist and Eric Stanton and their surprise wedding is something one only sees in movies, but then again, who knows, the old maid must have been just ripe for picking.
For this film being made in 1945, it has a sexuality that comes across openly whenever we are taken to the seaside cafe and watch all the men ogling Stella, the waitress who provokes desire in them. Linda Darnell, a gorgeous woman herself, gives a powerful performance as Stella. Ms. Darnell clearly understand what makes her character tick.
Dana Andrews is also excellent as the drifter who falls for Stella, but realizes he must play his cards right in order to get his ticket to a better life with June. Alice Faye in a dramatic role doesn't come as well as the others, perhaps because her character is not clearly defined.
A film to watch for the great cinematography and as a curiosity piece from Otto Preminger.
The main reason for watching the film, again and again, is the sensational cinematography by Joseph LaShelle. This movie will be a treat for those fans who appreciate the fine detail this great camera man created for "Fallen Angels". The coastal California town gets a fabulous treatment in the hands of Mr. LaShelle. Also, the music score by David Raskin, working again with the director is typical of the times where the action takes place.
We are introduced to a Eric Stanton traveling by Greyhound bus toward one of the big California cities, but not having enough funds, he must get off in a remote place. He is perhaps not ready for what he is going to encounter. For better, or for worse, he goes into the seaside cafe where Stella, the beautiful waitress is the 'star' attraction among the male population of the town. One can feel the heat emanating from Stella, as well as what effect her presence has on all the men that visit the place.
The film shows that most of the story has been modified to satisfy the studio executives, because it doesn't make sense most of the time. We are witnesses to political incorrectness when the police chief beats a witness repeatedly in order to extract a confession from him. Also, the instant romance between June Mills, the spinster church organist and Eric Stanton and their surprise wedding is something one only sees in movies, but then again, who knows, the old maid must have been just ripe for picking.
For this film being made in 1945, it has a sexuality that comes across openly whenever we are taken to the seaside cafe and watch all the men ogling Stella, the waitress who provokes desire in them. Linda Darnell, a gorgeous woman herself, gives a powerful performance as Stella. Ms. Darnell clearly understand what makes her character tick.
Dana Andrews is also excellent as the drifter who falls for Stella, but realizes he must play his cards right in order to get his ticket to a better life with June. Alice Faye in a dramatic role doesn't come as well as the others, perhaps because her character is not clearly defined.
A film to watch for the great cinematography and as a curiosity piece from Otto Preminger.