Review of Somewhere in the Night (1946) by Martin T — 03 Mar 2010
A decidedly mixed bag. Amnesia is the hackiest of hack premises, but since this is one of the first films to really deal with it, it gets a pass. Some of the dialogue is really good, but a lot of it is absolutely terrible.
For his first directorial effort, Mankiewicz does an okay job, but doesn't bring much pizzazz to it. Where we really have problems, however, is the acting. John Hodiak is decent in the lead, but Nancy Guild is a poor man's Lauren Bacall.
.. a VERY poor man's. Her first acting role, with no training, and it shows. She's terrible. Pretty face, lousy actress. Fortunately the film is salvaged by a number of great character actors who bring some spark to the smaller roles.
And the plot, although convoluted, is a good deal of fun and trucks along nicely. Think Angel Heart but not so serious (and without the voodoo and stuff).
This review of Somewhere in the Night (1946) was written by Martin T on 03 Mar 2010.
Somewhere in the Night has generally received positive reviews.
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