Review of M (1951) by Trent R — 14 May 2010
Unfairly maligned remake of the classic which may suffer in comparison, but has its own strengths. The casting is a bit weird, but Wayne is actually not bad in the Lorre role. He plays it with a quiet, tormented physicality that works in a few scenes - especially an early bit of him toying with and suddenly beheading a clay doll.
There are also amusing parts played by Jim Backus as a sleazy mayor, and Raymond Burr as a heavy named Pottsy. Adler's an equally corrupt lawyer on the other side, who gives an amusing speech parodying a formal deposition for Burr's benefit.
Cinematography by Ernest Laszlo is top notch, and Robert Aldrich was even A.D. on this. So the Bunker Hill location shots are terrific, not to mention the Bradbury building finale. Losey even includes a casual background line, "What are you, a communist?" in response to a lady with a red sweater - anticipating his own blacklisting.
This review of M (1951) was written by Trent R on 14 May 2010.
M has generally received positive reviews.
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