Revisiting a long out of print DVD of this old favourite, I was struck by the extent to which this rarity is nothing short of a British 'Blood and Black Lace', without being a cynical rip-off. Its stunning colour photography and production design comes very close to Bava's masterpiece and is an absolute joy to behold. With an excellent cast throughout, this confidently paced mystery offers atmosphere, thrills and surprises, with the added benefit of a highly effective score by the great Elisabeth Lutyens. Totally deserves to be lifted from unmerited obscurity with a luxury Blu Ray release by one of the major labels.
Reviews
5 Reviews
Nightmare Alley
(1947)
Almost as good as its reputation
12 June 2021
A great noir for sure, but maybe not quite the absolute masterpiece many seem to consider it. The ending, though, is devastating and apart from Power's brave against type star turn, it's Helen Walker who really stood out for me - she totally owns the screen when she's there, and Coleen Gray's sensitive performance genuinely moved me. Having coincidentally revisited Tod Browning's Freaks a mere week or so before my first encounter with Alley, I was amazed by the kinship apparent in pretty much all the carney scenes. Watch them back to back if you can, it's worth it!
Le chien jaune
(1932)
Worth a look
12 June 2021
Not quite as bad as all that. It's a mess, for sure, but it does have a handful of very effective scenes and some quite atmospheric shots. Tarride père makes a decent (older, in the book he's still quite young) Comissaire Maigret - God knows there have been way worse ones in later years. And Le Vigan is deliciously weird.
Billie
(2019)
Not definitive but damn good
21 March 2021
Refreshingly direct and to the point, this documentary doesn't mince any words and pulls no punches. It's Billie's story right in your face and told by many who really knew her and who had no interest in propagating fantasy versions of Lady Day. The attention paid to the woman who did all the hard work to get these stories told is in no way disproportionate and we owe her a debt of gratitude. Respect!
Dr. Fischer of Geneva
(1984 TV Movie)
Classy adaptation of a great story
30 October 2019
This is the very best of late Graham Greene in a fine made for tv adaptation with a superb cast. A defining treatment of the essence of greed, this is a must see drama that ticks all the boxes: compelling story, fine acting, clever adaptation that leaves out little from its great literary source. Quite unbelievable that this has not yet seen a release on DVD. Can someone just please get that done?
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