Review of Murder, My Sweet (1944) by Greg D — 01 Mar 2008

There is something perplexing about Murder My Sweet, and it isn't just the twisting plot. It has all the ingredients of a great noir from the 40s but doesn't cook up to be a very filling entree. For some reason, despite being based off of a Raymond Chandler story and despite all the double-crossing, murder, despicable characters, adultery, brutality, blackmail, robbery, drugs, and sexuality, it falls some what flat. For some reason it doesn't seem to quite connect with the audience, and for some reason it is hard to become invested in the characters.

It is still a good ride, but it doesn't have the impact that some of the other movies from the era did. It doesn't really stay with you after watching it. The bulk of the performances seemed mediocre to me, but the gritty story line and the stylistic flare redeem it some what, making it still worth watching, especially if you are fan of the era or a fan of film noir. It does visually cook up just the right atmosphere.

Maybe I am prejudiced against Dick Powell who plays Chandler's well known Philip Marlowe because I recently saw Bogart play the same character in The Big Sleep, or maybe it is because Powell's primary former film experience had been fluffy musicals. Maybe he just didn't have what it took to step into Chandler's dark view of Los Angeles and the shady characters who dwell there. Either way I found his performance sub-par. Maybe he just didn't look like Marlowe to me, kind of like Timothy Dalton as Bond, his manner and looks just distract me from my love and interest in the character.

If you want to experience the best the 40s, Chandler or Film Noir have to offer, look else where first. Murder, My Sweet won't satisfy your hunger for any of those things, but it does make a decent snack.