A popular young radio singer (Gloria Grahame) is shot, and her mentor (Maureen O'Hara) confesses to the deed... but did she really do it, and if so, why? A little bit MILDRED PIERCE and a little bit ALL ABOUT EVE and not nearly as memorable as either. Oh, it's not a bad film, but it's too low-key to work up much excitement for (and only the tiniest bit noir). Grahame, although blatantly overdubbed in her singing parts, is a joy to watch as always... but the role really doesn't give her much room to shine (as a sidenote, this was the film where she met future spouse Nicholas Ray). O'Hara again doesn't do much for me, but co-star Melvyn Douglas is mildly enjoyable. The real treat is Jay C. Flippen and Mary Philips as the inspector and his crafty wife, who get the lion's share of the script's funniest and most clever moments. As would you expect from Ray, the direction is well done, although lacking the moody atmosphere of his superior THEY LIVE BY NIGHT from the previous year. Overall the movie is enjoyable but too lightweight to be worth a second look.
Review of A Woman's Secret
