Review of Kiss the Blood Off My Hands

Probably one of the first cinematic attempts to deal with PTSD and the psychological after-effects of war on its survivors, "Kiss The Blood Of My Hands" (one of the best titles ever) is also a terrific little film noir, with exemplary use of light, shadow, smoke & rain. The three main (and in fact only important) actors offer strong characterizations. Joan Fontaine (an actress of both inner and outer beauty) is lovely, and Burt Lancaster bares his impressive upper torso for an unexpected whipping scene! Robert Newton is perfectly sleazy as the blackmailer. The only thing missing from the movie is a proper ending - though some viewers may even like the open-endedness of the conclusion. *** out of 4.