Joan Bennett effectively handles the central role of a harried housewife who finds out she has to deal with a blackmailer (James Mason) in an effort to shield her daughter (Geraldine Brooks) from murder charges.
Interesting that this noir-like drama is played out mostly in sunlight with only a few night scenes to give it the full atmospheric effect of a thriller. However, the final boat house scene is given the sort of shadowy photography one expects for a physical confrontation between the blackmailer and his corrupt partner.
Despite a taut script, the production has the look of a low-budget melodrama boosted by the admirable work of a good cast. Joan Bennett has one of her best roles as the tough-minded wife who is challenged to keep one step ahead of the authorities while dealing with a blackmailer who falls in love with her while her husband is overseas.
Good supporting performances from Shepperd Strudwick, Henry O'Neill and David Blair are a help...but the weak resolution for the ending undercuts the film's effectiveness as a satisfying thriller and keeps it in the minor league among Max Ophul's films. He does keep the story down to a brisk running time.
Trivia note: The outstanding B&W photography is fluid and on the move in endless tracking shots, one of the film's best virtues.
Interesting that this noir-like drama is played out mostly in sunlight with only a few night scenes to give it the full atmospheric effect of a thriller. However, the final boat house scene is given the sort of shadowy photography one expects for a physical confrontation between the blackmailer and his corrupt partner.
Despite a taut script, the production has the look of a low-budget melodrama boosted by the admirable work of a good cast. Joan Bennett has one of her best roles as the tough-minded wife who is challenged to keep one step ahead of the authorities while dealing with a blackmailer who falls in love with her while her husband is overseas.
Good supporting performances from Shepperd Strudwick, Henry O'Neill and David Blair are a help...but the weak resolution for the ending undercuts the film's effectiveness as a satisfying thriller and keeps it in the minor league among Max Ophul's films. He does keep the story down to a brisk running time.
Trivia note: The outstanding B&W photography is fluid and on the move in endless tracking shots, one of the film's best virtues.