Scarlet Street

Scarlet Street

1945. Not Rated, 103 minutes.

Director: Fritz Lang. Starring Edward G. Robinson, Joan Bennett, Dan Duryea, Rosalind Ivan.

Christopher (Robinson) is going through a middle-age crisis and feels trapped in a loveless marriage. When the young and beautiful Kitty (Bennett) shows some interest in him, he immediately fall head over heels. Believing him to be a wealthy and famous painter, Kitty sets out ot bilk him of his money at the behest of her abusive boyfriend Johnny (Duryea). Lots of lying and conniving ensues. This is an underrated WWII era gem with a dizzying number of plot twists. Each of them is expertly handled and continues the movie's spiral towards it's dark conclusion. In fact, it's ending is so dark I'm convinced that director Fritz Lang truly hates Christopher (see spoiler below). Edward G. Robinson trades in his more famous gangster motif for that of a square and is as brilliant as ever. MY SCORE: 10/10

SPOILER!!! (Highlight to read)

The movie could've, and probably should've ended one scene earlier when Chris decides to hang himself. However, his suicide attempt is unsuccessful and he's left to wander the streets and be further tormented by guilt. Having him actually die as a result of his hanging would've been the more "humane" way to end the movie.