This one is a good example of the difference in appearance that emerged in the 1950's Film-Noir. The decade was finally starting to show the growth of the Post War economy and shine, so were the Movies, even the Noirs and it was the beginning of the end for the Genre.
The look was not the only thing that started to "lighten up", the Characters were becoming less cynical, more perky, and frankly more boring. This can be exemplified by the Roommates here that are so spunky and aloof that they seem to glide and float through this Mystery/Thriller. Low brow Blues and Jazz was replaced with the nonthreatening Pop softness of Nat King Cole.
The Director does use some inspiring shadowy scenes here, in the middle, during the most effective part of the Film as the Murder ensues and the aftermath is a Noirish blur. Notice how after the event the frame is bathed in partial darkness and things swirl and twist in a convincing confusion. But it doesn't last too long.
Most of the Movie is so breezy, light, and kind of syrupy that the Film's Noir is noticeably absent and what is left is straightforward Melodrama with a TV look. Not a bad Film just to pedestrian to be anything more than an above average Entertainment that is as inoffensive and fluffy as it is predictable.
The look was not the only thing that started to "lighten up", the Characters were becoming less cynical, more perky, and frankly more boring. This can be exemplified by the Roommates here that are so spunky and aloof that they seem to glide and float through this Mystery/Thriller. Low brow Blues and Jazz was replaced with the nonthreatening Pop softness of Nat King Cole.
The Director does use some inspiring shadowy scenes here, in the middle, during the most effective part of the Film as the Murder ensues and the aftermath is a Noirish blur. Notice how after the event the frame is bathed in partial darkness and things swirl and twist in a convincing confusion. But it doesn't last too long.
Most of the Movie is so breezy, light, and kind of syrupy that the Film's Noir is noticeably absent and what is left is straightforward Melodrama with a TV look. Not a bad Film just to pedestrian to be anything more than an above average Entertainment that is as inoffensive and fluffy as it is predictable.