Scarlet Street details
| Formats: | PG DVD, LOVEFiLM Instant |
|---|---|
| Starring: | Edward G. Robinson, Margaret Lindsay, Jess Barker, Dan Duryea, Joan Bennett |
| Director: | Fritz Lang |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Studio: | ODEON ENTERTAINMENT |
| Collections: | Black & White Movies, Decades: 40s, New York, New York |
| Title | Runtime | Certificate | |
|---|---|---|---|
Scarlet Street |
1hr 41 mins | PG |
LOVEFiLM Instant Information
| Run time: | 1 hour 41 minutes |
|---|---|
| Rental release: | To be confirmed |
Write your own review
Most helpful review
Quite watchable for fans of the era and genre
By roncoach (365 reviews) from suffolk , 08 Sep 2011[Highly rated reviewer]
A quirky little film of its type that just misses out on an extra half * (if you want to see a 3.5* Edward G film look at 'Woman in the Window' and you'll see that it is better than 'Scarlet Street').
Edward G is as reliable as ever (much better in this era IMHO than his 30s gangster movies). Joan Bennett is, I think, a gorgeous woman who can also act. However, I cannot fail to mention that Dan Duryea, a stalwart of supporting actors, virtually steals this film with a very good performance, to which he is much more suited than most of the 'heavy' roles that he was often asked to play.
The plot is somewhat unbelievable and unconvincing and somehow interferes with the overall enjoyment.
A bit out of the ordinary and well worth a watch for those who have not seen it and who appreciate this era and semi-film noir genre.- Was this review helpful to you?
- (23) Yes |
- No (15)
All reviews
(19)The Darkest of Twilight Zones
By Bwildfoot (31 reviews) from London , 02 Jan 2013[Highly rated reviewer]
Couldn't believe that as a fan of both Fritz Lang and Edward G, I'd missed this little gem. A whipsmart script that could have been a simple 'Jezebel Temptation' story instead twists and turns in a narrative that combines big broad humour (check out the one-time King of Gangsters Edward G in a pinny) with the darkest of film noir. Clearly a massive influence on Rod Serling, the narrative turns are not there simply for their own sake, but reflect the central character's descent of fortune and morality. Beautifully shot, as one might expect from the great Expressionist-turned-Noir genius, and hilarious and macabre in equal measure.- Was this review helpful to you?
- (1) Yes |
- No (0)
Many shades of very dark grey!
By Viveka (57 reviews) , 08 Oct 2012Scarlet Street is an intelligent and multi-faceted drama, wonderfully dark and atmospheric. Each main character is flawed and detatched by their own self obsessed immediate needs, with only Chris Cross's employer demonstrating a true moral code and judgement. Aside from the fascinatingly twisted plotline, this film uses small details such as the way food and drink is consumed to demonstrate lifestyles and attitudes. Chris must don his wife's apron having cleared the dining room table to dutifully wash dishes in the kitchen, everything is an unrewarding ritual. Kitty lies across the sofa indolently snacking while the sink overflows with unwashed dishes left for days, in bars she grabs a bite with Johnny and he snatches some fruit as he is leaving, subconsciously never knowing where his next unearned meal is coming from.
Downpours of rain feature to create a feeling of oppression and the need of an umbrella to provide the characters with some respite from life's storms.
There are numerous points to ponder in the storyline, the regret of giving up on dreams and lacking the courage to follow them, seeking instant gratification and reward, also the desperation that loneliness can bring. Overall it is an unexpectedly sophisticated film that proves very watchable.- Was this review helpful to you?
- (1) Yes |
- No (0)
A true masterpiece
By a customer , 11 Jul 2012Hollywood at its best. Lang's genius elicted out of EG Robinson a great subtle performance. A sensitive, highly intelligent film about the role of art and love in our heartles, 'urbane' society.- Was this review helpful to you?
- (1) Yes |
- No (0)
Great story, full of twists
By bobshaw5 (21 reviews) , 23 Jan 2012Great story, full of plot twists and turns. Robinson is a pathetic character, his overbearing wife monstrous. Bennett is a terrific amoral vamp and her boyfriend equally nasty. Ending is great and unexpected.- Was this review helpful to you?
- (0) Yes |
- No (1)
Quite watchable for fans of the era and genre
By roncoach (365 reviews) from suffolk , 08 Sep 2011[Highly rated reviewer]
A quirky little film of its type that just misses out on an extra half * (if you want to see a 3.5* Edward G film look at 'Woman in the Window' and you'll see that it is better than 'Scarlet Street').
Edward G is as reliable as ever (much better in this era IMHO than his 30s gangster movies). Joan Bennett is, I think, a gorgeous woman who can also act. However, I cannot fail to mention that Dan Duryea, a stalwart of supporting actors, virtually steals this film with a very good performance, to which he is much more suited than most of the 'heavy' roles that he was often asked to play.
The plot is somewhat unbelievable and unconvincing and somehow interferes with the overall enjoyment.
A bit out of the ordinary and well worth a watch for those who have not seen it and who appreciate this era and semi-film noir genre.- Was this review helpful to you?
- (23) Yes |
- No (15)
