mark.waltz What could have been an intriguing film noir of a set-up for murder gone wring becomes an overly complex and problematic plot that wraps up faster than it took to set it up. Bodyguard Edmund O'Brien is set up to supposedly kill someone, but it's very apparent that there's more going on than even the audience can see. Ella Raines who works for the calculating Vincent Price (whom O'Brien has been hired to protect), falls in love with O'Brien but there's a plot thickening behind the scenes that makes this confusing and frustrating. Some great symbolic moments add to the noir feeling of the plot line, but it's just all a messy set-up both plot wise and scam wise. William Bendix is a tough detective, with John Abbott as Price's right hand man. There's a sub genre of film noir which tried to be artistic and draw the audience into its own web, but what happens here is that the spider who builds the web ends up tangled as well, making what is caught pointless prey. As usual, Price is riveting, and everybody does their best, aided by a few interesting twists and turns. However, a messy script is the real problem, going too far out of its own way to get properly to its final destination.

Robbmonster Saw this film for the first time last night. Nice little noir, and I genuinely liked the character played by Vincent Price. I mean I actually liked the guy, and I'm usually someone who goes for the good guys.Good performances all around, actually. Ella Raines was effective as the femme anti-fatale, William Bendix was great in a performance that reminded me of the work James Gandolfini would be doing 50-60 years later, and Edmond O'Brien was always a solid noir lead, without ever truly setting the world on fire.Two things bothered me. One was the ending, with the gambit about the dead body. It just didn't quite work for me.The other was the trick of using the friend to impersonate the late Victor Bruno and then simply assuming Colby wouldn't be able to tell it wasn't him. I understand it was different times, but it did seem to have a racist and xenophobic quality to it, relying as it did on the basic conceit that all 'foreigners' sound the same. The idea of getting anyone with any accent to impersonate a 'foreigner' - who you never heard speak and haven't the faintest idea what his voice sounded like - , and then just assuming the baddie won't be able to tell the difference, well, stupid writing, stupid characters, maybe hoping for a stupid audience, or maybe all three.But in all, a cool little movie, certainly a bit far-fetched, but nice atmosphere, brisk pace, and wonderful performances.

howardmorley My wife and I visited our vintage DVD store at Camden Lock, north London the other day, for my Easter 2014 treat which was to buy some more dvds for my collection of mainly 1940s & 50s film dramas.I am thinking now of promoting the lovely Ella Raines to one of my favourite screen goddesses after seeing "The Web"(1947).By the way, I especially collect Margaret Lockwood, Vivien Leigh, Jean Simmons,Gene Tierney,Jennifer Jones, Ava Gardner & Hedy Lamarr films.So far I have "Impact" (1949), "La Dama Desconocida","Tall in the Saddle","The Suspect" all from (1944) and now I have "The Web" (1947).Ella always brilliantly and naturally plays the true American heroine in her movies and she has the most engaging smile which melts my heart whenever I see her act on screen.I will definitely look out for more vintage movies of Ella.As to the film I award it 7/10 as it is well written with a fine cast which includes arch horror actor Vincent Price as a youngish actor.I do not see Edmund O'Brian as a particularly romantic lead however.There are a few "red herrings" in the script but the viewer soon ascertains who is the true villain.I believe the complete film is now available on www.youtube.com

jotix100 Young lawyer Robert Regan's client, trying to collect damages the rich Andrew Colby did to his fruit cart, is a man that will take no for an answer. Regan pushes his way into Colby's conference room where he is holding a meeting. Making his point, Regan is offered a job by Colby so he can start his own practice in nice digs. What Regan does not realize is that Colby intends to use him for his own criminal intentions. Ancrew Colby claims his old partner, Leopold Kroner, who has just been released from jail after spending five years for counterfeiting bonds, will do whatever to seek a revenge.Regan, who knows his way around town, goes to clear the fact he will be carrying a gun Colby gave him to protect his new boss. Being friends with police Lt. Damico helps Regan, although his friend is against his involvement and the likely idea he will be using the firearm. The occasion comes when Murdock, an aide to Colby comes for him because Kroner has broken into his boss' office. While Regan is cleared by the police, he begins putting things together realizing he was a pawn to carry on the unscrupulous Colby's shady business."The Web", an Universal International film noir, was directed by Michael Gordon, based on a screenplay by William Bowers and Bertram Millhouser based on a story by Harry Kurnitz. The film strength lies in the strong cast assembled for the film. The atmosphere is enhanced by Irving Glassberg's black and white cinematography. Mr. Gordon delivers a good film that will delight fans of the genre. He made an elegant film that even more than sixty years later still packs a good punch.Edmund O'Brien lives up to what was wanted of his character, a man duped because of his ambition to get ahead without thinking of the consequences. Vincent Price plays the suave Andrew Colby with conviction. Ella Raines makes an elegant Noel Faraday, the gal whose main role was being more than a secretary to Colby, although the film is ambiguous in that respect. William Bendix another great character actor of those years is seen as Lt. Damico, the wise detective who sees right through Regan's employer. John Abbott is the creepy henchman who pays dearly for his good work for Colby.