God this was bad

The first few scenes made it look like it was going to be the best Lewton film yet. It was actually scary. Really scary actually. The atmosphere was just right and the lightning was quite haunting. But then, about 20-30 min in, the cheapness started to attack. What might have started as a good idea became just another tool to get some dough. No time to think, no time write... a proper script.

Tourneur makes a good effort but can't seem to make the ends meet. Despite the great visuals that usually goes along with a Lewton film this is even more half arsed than what I expected. I have never been a Lewton fan but most of his films are more or less good, this is the worst I have seen this far.

The plot gets more and more contived and ridiculous. Of course they probably didn't want to waste too much money on film so it's pretty rushed. The acting which started to become more and more relevant as it was given more and more room failed. The lack of emotion is just stunning. The only one that steals the show is Margo, as the gold digging dancer. Not the best acting of all time but she sure beats out the stiff Dennis O'Keefe and Jean Brooks, who can't have had too much time to rehearse.

But I'm sure the acting would have bothered me as much if the dialog did not become dumber and dumber. How nice that you have emotions and want to find the killer, good for you, but come on. It ends on a note that it's just to take a random pick of who the murder is and every single prediction will be correct. Oh and you will know exactly how all the murders played out withoit having been there. Isn't it great that everyone is psychic.

The characters are not only unbelivable but also just plain stupid. Jowever everything they set out to do work. It has to, unless they had to use more film. It could almost make you laugh. It's tragic that a great director like Tourneur had to sink to this. At only 66 minutes this film feels like several hours. And it's cringe worthy to the extreme. I would say avoid for all cost, but this film seems to strike home run for a lot of people. What I will say instead is that if you are on the fence with Lewton, you will most likely dislike this as uch as I. If you do like Lewton go right ahead. It will probably make your day.

3.5/10.

Somebody here has been drinking and I'm sad to say it ain't me - Allan Francis Doyle