Review of Stranger on the Third Floor (1940) by Steve G — 04 Mar 2018

Kind of a precursor to 12 Angry Men. It's also a precursor to the litigation culture many years later where being an honest witness is nearly as dangerous as being a perpetrator. And arguably the first film noir. Almost like a twilight zone episode. Though the man who is tormented after having given his testimony about what he witnessed is actually an innocent man. He reported what he witnessed. The fact that the jury may have made a decision when there was reasonable doubt casts THEM as antagonists. Not the reporter.

Interesting film about those in society presumed guilty until proven innocent. And how easily circumstantial evidence can be used to incriminate someone when facts are misconstrued.

The protagonist experiences some paranoia appearing guilty though being innocent. Not exactly Oscar-worthy acting, but very interesting.

Intriguing dream sequences. Lorre is nothing if not consistent. Elisha Cook seems confused in most of these early roles.

Though the dream sequence lasts a little long. And the cut between his phone call to his woman and ending up in the park is barely existent.

It's a fitting warning against incriminating someone on insufficient evidence.

Brooklyn, as well as it's been represented on screen.