Although some critics might cavil at the classification, all the elements of film noir rise to the fore in this steamy melodrama that director Curtiz handles at such a stylishly headlong pace there is little time to reflect on whether its downbeat story is too good to be true-to-life. One's only regret is that Tony Gaudio has so totally suffused this movie in attractively noirish lighting, details of its exotic sets and Miss Francis' shimmeringly beautiful costumes are often lost. But you can't have everything. All the players acquit themselves most creditably. True, a little more of Mr Littlefield would probably have strained our patience, but editor Thomas Pratt has wisely cut his scenes to the bone. And I hardly noticed Mr Bing at all. It's the principal players that command attention throughout. The alluring Kay Francis always captivates our sympathy, as does Talbot who plays the sodden hero with considerable panache. As the no-good, Cortez skillfully manages to be both charming yet repulsive. In all, Mandalay is a fascinating pre-code lost-and-found.
Review of Mandalay
