Dennis O'Keefe, Claire Trevor, Raymond Burr (v nasty), Marsha Hunt, John Ireland.
Minimum exposition and bang! we're straight into classic noir, expertly painted on a totally black canvas by John Alton, so dark, but we see everything we need to. Stunning examples of cinematography. Did notice extensive day for night filming also.
Claire Trevor's voiceover is a innovation, adds to the presentiment of doom. Taut, economical and consistently thrilling. Written by Leopold Atlas and John C Higgins from an idea by Arnold B Armstrong and Audrey Ashley. Great dialogue such as quintessential noir line "We'll go out on the sand. It'll be softer when you fall." Also love the triangular relationship, evident from the outset.
Paul Sawtell's using a theremin, which adds an interesting dimension. In fact there's a key scene where in day for night, O'Keefe and Hunt stop their car opposite Trevor (above). The girls get out and Trevor's voiceover kicks in with Sawtell's theremin and they cross paths to reach the other cars - "I feel sorry for her, passing like this..."
An Edward Small production - très Indie. Our 'Classic Crime Collection' has a 'bump' going on the the hard-to-hear soundtrack and an image of somewhat wavery quality. Luckily there's an admittedly rare and expensive restored Blu Ray.
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