Before we begin, allow me to mention it looks like George Santos may be in court today, facing federal charges. At the time I’m writing this, there’s no news what those charges might be, so stay tuned…
Now let’s return to the reason for this post…
Today’s feature is 1950’s Paramount release, “The File on Thelma Jordon,” starring Barbara Stanwyck (Thelma Jordan), Wendell Corey (Cleve Marshall), Paul Kelly (Miles Scott), Joan Tetzel (Pamela Marshall), Stanley Ridges (Kingsley Willis), Richard Rober (Tony Laredo), and Gertrude W. Hoffman (Aunt Vera Edwards). Directed by Robert Siodmak; cinematography by George Barnes. Produced by Hal B, Wallis; Production company: Wallis-Hazen. Distributed by Paramount Pictures. Edited by Warren Low. Music by Victor Young. Screenplay by Ketti Frings from a short story by Marty Holland.
You can watch the full film for free here (no commercials and a decent print):
This was a bit of a let-down for me. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with the film, per se. It’s just that it’s pretty well-worn fodder for a noir. Basically, Boy meets Femme Fatale. Boy falls for Femme Fatale. Boy decides to put his career on the line to help Femme Fatale. She double-crosses him and everyone suffers. The end.
Given Stanwyck stars and Siodmak directs, I was expecting far better; but neither manages to rise above the script, which reads more like melodrama than noir.
I give this 2.5 out of 5 unfiltered cigarette puffs.