The Blue Gardenia has a heckuva cast and good noir direction by Fritz Lang. The story and script pops, and it's great fun to see Anne Baxter and Raymond Burr drink, flirt, tussle, and the consequences of same.
Special Treat: Ann Sothern as the stunning, wisecracking Crystal (her lines could also have been delivered by Eve Arden); I could have watched a lot more of her.
Additional Special Treat: George Reeves as the police captain, complete with mustache (but not uniform). When you see him act here and in other movies, like "From Here to Eternity," you wonder how far he could have gotten if he had the opportunity for more prestige drama and even comedy roles. (I was a huge fan of "Superman" as a kid, however.)
Extra Special Treat: The inimitable Richard Erdman, best "second banana" in the biz. The first time I saw him was in "Cry Danger" with Dick Powell. I was immediately taken with how he didn't even seem to be acting--he was a master of off-handed, natural delivery. I wish there had been more of him here!
Unintentionally Funniest Scene (on pay phone):
"Officer, this is Casey Mayo of the Chronicle. Get that handkerchief right down to the police lab. I'll call Captain Haynes and tell him you're on the way."
"Yes, sir." (Hangs up.)
Uh, yeah, like a police officer is going to take an order from a newspaper guy, whose identity he hasn't even confirmed. But the plot must move on, so what can ya do.
With all its imperfections, plus a sudden ending with an implied motive, I'd say this is a must-see for all noir and Lang appreciators. It's an entertaining film!
Special Treat: Ann Sothern as the stunning, wisecracking Crystal (her lines could also have been delivered by Eve Arden); I could have watched a lot more of her.
Additional Special Treat: George Reeves as the police captain, complete with mustache (but not uniform). When you see him act here and in other movies, like "From Here to Eternity," you wonder how far he could have gotten if he had the opportunity for more prestige drama and even comedy roles. (I was a huge fan of "Superman" as a kid, however.)
Extra Special Treat: The inimitable Richard Erdman, best "second banana" in the biz. The first time I saw him was in "Cry Danger" with Dick Powell. I was immediately taken with how he didn't even seem to be acting--he was a master of off-handed, natural delivery. I wish there had been more of him here!
Unintentionally Funniest Scene (on pay phone):
"Officer, this is Casey Mayo of the Chronicle. Get that handkerchief right down to the police lab. I'll call Captain Haynes and tell him you're on the way."
"Yes, sir." (Hangs up.)
Uh, yeah, like a police officer is going to take an order from a newspaper guy, whose identity he hasn't even confirmed. But the plot must move on, so what can ya do.
With all its imperfections, plus a sudden ending with an implied motive, I'd say this is a must-see for all noir and Lang appreciators. It's an entertaining film!