MovieChat Forums > Criss Cross (1949) Discussion > Yvonne de Carlo vs phrases twice

Yvonne de Carlo vs phrases twice


Yvonne the Carlo is great in this "Noir". However, I noticed, that she repeats many times her phrases twice. Like: "You and me. You and me."
This occurs on more than 10 occasions (and maybe I missed some), why? Lack of acting-performance or on purpose/in the script?
I seldom notice this in other films.

reply

I'm sure the director would never had permitted his lead actress to take such liberties with the script. Yvonne's character is not the only one who does this odd delivery: both Lancaster and McNally do the same thing. But not as much. However, you are right about the uniqueness of this peculiar cadence in the dialogue. I have never heard it done before or since. But I like it anyway. I never get tired of listening to her speak in such doomed tones. Miss Decarlo was a much better actress than most people give her credit for. She could perform comedy as well as drama. It wasn't by chance that the producers of "The Munsters" replaced the original "Lily" after the first pilot was shot. She also was a dancer and a singer. In the late 50's, she even recorded a Blues/Pop album with the great John Williams. And when she was fifty she grabbed a Tony nomination for the Broadway Show "Follies." She was a definite triple threat. A natural. Finally, watch the scene (again) at the lunch counter in Criss Cross. You won't find a better piece of physical acting and line delivery in any other Film Noir of the time. I love how when she turns to leave "Steve" at the counter, she spins back to grab the paper, marches over to the cashier, drops the paper back on to the newsstand, and gracefully sidesteps three people entering from the street. "Steve" follows her--close behind--and after dropping a penny into the scale/fortune machine (some beach plans are made), she spins out of the drug store like a giddy, carefree schoolgirl. Now that's acting. Kathleen Turner did the same acting trick in Peggy Sue Got Married and was rewarded with an Oscar nomination.

reply

Thanks for your statement, I agree.

reply

Thank you for your post. I like your acute perceptiveness and depth of knowledge.

This was another great film featuring young Burt. I've been wading through his films lately.

For the record I rated this film 8/10. Such a dramatic build-up to such a tragic ending.

reply

This movie sounds good. I need to check it out
I very recommend this underrated movie!

reply

ooh I love this movie. I saw it a couple weeks ago. It's not one of the best noirs, but pretty good.

reply

I loved the movie, but I noticed what you mean, famalberts! She says lots of lines twice - maybe even more than 10 times! Maybe it's supposed to be the character's idiosyncrasy. But I don't think so. It's probably a flaw in the script with the main female character. I've noticed in old Twilight Zone episodes, Rod Serling does this kind of thing from time to time. The dialogue becomes real repetitive. My guess is it's a script flaw.

That said, Yvonne sure is pleasant on the eyes in this movie!

"You can dish it out, but you got so you can't take it no more." - Caesar Enrico Bandello

reply

[deleted]