Review of House of Strangers (1949) by Art S — 19 Oct 2015
As the movie opens, Richard Conte is just out of jail and he goes to confront his three brothers who have taken over the family bank after their father died. Conte is angry and the brothers are defensive.
He next visits his girl, Susan Hayward, who tries to convince him to leave New York for San Francisco. He refuses and retreats to his old house where a long flashback begins. In this flashback, we meet the father, played by Edward G.
Robinson in stereotypical but convincing Italian drag (complete with mustache and accent). He is tough on his kids and he runs his bank loosely, charging lots of interest to the poor people in his community who nevertheless seem to like him and respect him.
As the 1930s begin, however, there is reform to the banking laws and Robinson is caught out. Only Conte fights for him as the government moves in, as the other sons feel that their father has only belittled them over the years.
The drama is well played by Robinson and Conte but most of the others are lacklustre, save for Hayward who shines in a rather dispensable role. On the edge of noir, but not quite in the genre - worth a look.
This review of House of Strangers (1949) was written by Art S on 19 Oct 2015.
House of Strangers has generally received positive reviews.
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