Beverly Michaels is back in Hugo Haas's life, and this time, she ain't no pick-up. He's still there to become a father figure for her with a wedding ring, but something is kinder and gentler about her. In a sense, it's a relief, and Michaels is actually very good in this twist on the younger woman/older man romance. As the title states, she's on the bridge, contemplating suicide, but she's not like the nasty woman in that Laurel and Hardy short that demands they take care of her. Of course, she has a past, and that includes an illegitimate son, so cute how could Haas not love him from first glance? But when old flame Robert Dane shows up, Haas fears that he will loose the companionship and love he's been craving, and this leads to murder, but not the predictable victim.
This unique B movie really adds heart to the cynical world of film noir, a "Postman Always Rings Twice" with a twist and a femme fatale who isn't a dark lady. Yes, elements of the story aren't always completely believable, but the sincere performances from Michaels and Haas help this rise above those doubts that this could happen. John Close and Anthony Jochim give memorable performances as Haas's concerned neighbor and Danes's opportunistic cousin. While film noir usually ends up with a shocking twist, this one ends up like a knife in the heart, one that really makes this worth seeking out.
This unique B movie really adds heart to the cynical world of film noir, a "Postman Always Rings Twice" with a twist and a femme fatale who isn't a dark lady. Yes, elements of the story aren't always completely believable, but the sincere performances from Michaels and Haas help this rise above those doubts that this could happen. John Close and Anthony Jochim give memorable performances as Haas's concerned neighbor and Danes's opportunistic cousin. While film noir usually ends up with a shocking twist, this one ends up like a knife in the heart, one that really makes this worth seeking out.