Comments on: Summary Reviews: The Amazing Mr X meets Phantom Lady

By: surly

surly — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:11:02 +0000

The Long Night is a remake of Le Jour se lève (Daybreak) by Marcel Carné. As thirties French poetic realism transferred to post War America, it really doesn’t work, but the acting is terrific, including the film debut of Barbara Bel Geddes. Maybe Price stands out, but he’s always an entertaining slice of ham, and this is no exception.

By: Tony D'Ambra

Tony D'Ambra — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:05:08 +0000

Thanks for your great input John!

By: John Greco

John Greco — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:42:25 +0000

Tony,

A nice short summary of some fine films and some I still need to watch.

For me, SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS is just a great film. James Wong Howe has captured New York’s Times Square at its peak with the wet streets and neon lights from the movie theaters and all, dark and seductive. Lancaster and Curtis give some career high performances. Totally agree on PHANTOM LADY with the highlight being the steam heat driven jazz scene with Cook making the rest of the film pale by comparison.. Alton’s work in RAW DEAL is striking, a rough and tough film. RAILROADED is a nice little film with a good performance by Ireland. Have not seen the others but I do have THE LONG NIGHT on my DVR and will be watching it soon. I have been wanting to see PRIVATE HELL 36 for years because of Siegel and Lupino.

By: Tony D'Ambra

Tony D'Ambra — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:05:47 +0000

Thanks DeeDee, Dave, and Sam.

Truth be told, my favorite from this lot is Raw Deal, which ranks with The SetUp as my top favorite noirs. It has so much poetry and has an almost European feel.

But in filmic terms, yes, Sweet Smell of Success is great in every sense.

By: Sam Juliano

Sam Juliano — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:29:25 +0000

Yep Dave, SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS is absolutely the masterpiece in this round-up, but I think Tony basically admits as much, if I’ve read his ‘measure’ of enthusiasm correctly. Dee Dee that is certainly a faithful counter-response on every one of these films, several of which I have not seen unfortunately. But Edward Dmytryk’s OBSESSION would appear to be Tony’s runner-up favorite here, and I must say I would agree with that. Dmytryk, whose CHRIST IN CONCRETE received resounding praise in these hallowed halls, is a consumate artist. I wm most intrigued to see RAW DEAL, PERSUED and STRANGE ILLUSION.

As always, no-nonsense, fecind capsule appraisals.

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:06:45 +0000

Some wonderful films reviewed here, Tony. I won’t comment too much on the individual films you list here, so as to maintain a little bit of surprise for you as the countdown continues! I will say, though, there are a number here that I simply haven’t had the chance to see yet, I’ll have to seek some of them out.

And I’ll also add that there are times when I think that Sweet Smell of Success is my favorite movie of all time. That’s how highly I think of it.

By: DeeDee

DeeDee — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:30:51 +0000

Hi!Tony, Well,well...it's time for me to put my two-cents in when it comes to your mini reviews...as usual. Here goes... 1.Phantom Lady I have watched this film and most definitely agree with your critique of this film, but it an interesting and fun film.( I really like Woody Bredell’s moody noir photography.) My rating *** 2. Sweet Smell of Success My rating***1/2 3. The Amazing Dr.X I just recently, acquired a copy of this...but I haven't watched it yet. 4. Railroaded Your critque summed this film up ...perfectly. My rating *** 5. Raw Deal I have watched this film once (if you call being in another room while the film is on the television in another room watching.) Therefore, I must really sit down and watch the 1948 film "Raw Deal." Here Goes...a video link to Actress Marsha Hunt, Discussing the 1948 "Raw Deal" Onstage at NC5 With Author Eddie Muller. 6.Obsession (1948 UK)...I have never watched this film...Therefore, I must seek it out to watch. 7.Private Hell 36 Oh! Yes, you have summed this film up perfectly. My Rating...**1/2 8.Pursued (1947))...I have never watched this film...Therefore, I must seek it out to watch soon. 9.Strange Illusion (1945)I have watched this film and I have to agree with your mini review wholeheartedly. My rating *** 10.The Long Night...I have never watched this film...Therefore, I must seek it out to watch. Once again, What a very interesting line-up Thanks, for sharing! DeeDee ;-D