bnwfilmbuff This is a masterpiece with a plot that keeps developing new twists throughout the entire film directed by one of the greats, Michael Curtiz. I was drawn to the film by Curtiz' being the director but the casting and the cast are marvelous. Carol Ohmhart is beautifully sinister and Tom Tryon gullibly smitten in what starts out as a love triangle but evolves into something far more devious and complex. The supporting cast shines with E.G. Marshall and Edward Binns as the law and James Gregory as Ohmart's wealthy husband especially notable. A rare performance in film by Nat King Cole is an added treat. This was quite a find and highly recommended.

MartinHafer Emil Zola isn't a guy you normally associate with screenplays, but this 19th century writer penned a story that's often been reworked by other writers into best selling books and movies. James M. Cain's novel "The Postman Always Rings Twice" was essentially the Zola story reworked into a contemporary setting. And, "The Scarlet Hour" is essentially the same notion. All these stories are about an adulterous wife who is bored by her husband and ultimately ends up killing the husband. This is only half the story...the other half is how the killer falls apart psychologically and ultimately pays the price for their infamy.When the film begins, Pauline (Carol Ohmart) is having an affair with Marsh (Tom Tryon). Little does the husband (James Gregory) know that his most trusted employee is his wife's lover! Ultimately, the wicked wife convinces the lover to participate in a robbery in which they'll steal from the husband...and the husband is killed in the process. After, Marsh is pretty cool...but Pauline is a mess at times and definitely the weak link in the plan. This is interesting, because before SHE was the cool one...the femme fatale...yet now she's going to blow it unless she cools it and fast.So is this variation on the old story any good? Yes, though I think the story does suffer a bit in the way the wife acts throughout the film. I mentioned above how cold and dangerous she is. After all, the plan is hers. But then she gets a bad case of nerves...which, considering the first portion of the film really is not consistent nor does it make a lot of sense. This does not ruin the film...it's just a strike against it. As far as the rest of it goes, it's enough of a reworking that it still is interesting and worth your time. Well made...just not super-original.

calvinnme Carol Ohmart and Tom Tryon are having a little rendezvous on a deserted road, when they overhear three guys plotting to knock over a house and steal $350,000 worth of jewelry. Since Ohmart is trying to ditch her husband (James Gregory), she eventually concocts a plan to rob the burglars, and suckers Tryon into it. The plan almost comes off … except that Gregory suspects the two are getting it on, and follows them. Tryon holds up the burglars, but as he makes his escape, the two burglars fire at him. Meanwhile, as Ohmart waits for Tryon in the getaway car, Gregory confronts her. Ohmart shoots him, and lets Tryon think the burglars hit him by accident. Of course, things slowly unravel from there, and there is also a neat twist involving the owner of the jewels.There is some talent involved – Michael Curtiz directed, and keeps the pace moving fairly well. The supporting cast is good, and features Elaine Stritch as Ohmart's friend, and E. G. Marshall and Edward Binns as a couple of detectives. Richard Deacon has a bit as a jeweler. David Lewis (who played Edward Quartermaine for so many years on "General Hospital") makes his film debut. As a bonus, Nat King Cole appears and sings "Never Let Me Go." Tryon is acceptable in his role, but that's about it. Ohmart, who was wonderfully treacherous as Vincent Price's wife in House on Haunted Hill, looks great, but her voice is a little too monotone to suit me.One of the screenwriters is billed as Rip Van Ronkel. Apparently he didn't want to use his real name, Rupert Stiltskin.

GUENOT PHILIPPE I really don't understand why this Michael Curtiz film is so hard to find. And since so many years. A rather good film noir, in the Warner Bors tradition, except that this time it was produced by Paramount Pictures. And like some other late Curtiz's films, there are no really great stars in this movie. Actors as we could have seen in B pictures. But this is definitely not a B picture.The usual topic of the triangle: Wife, husband and lover. The gal wants to get rid of her husband with the help of her lover. Characterization, music score, sets by night, everything is very interesting in this authentic and - I repeat - rare gem. Don't miss Nat King Cole singing "Never Let Me Go". A charming movie which reminds me my childhood. But it is not a masterpiece although.