Dick Powell must represent one of the most successful transformations of character in screen history, from light hearted romantic crooner to tough guy. While this little, recently re-discovered film, may be far from one of the best examples, it certainly makes for a good watch.
The story by Jerome Cady (A.K.F. Call Northside 777 '48) has many good one liners, and enough twists to keep you hooked till the close. It's unfortunate Cady died at only 45 from an overdose of sleeping pills, taking with him whatever other stories he may have wanted to tell...as well as his own! The Screenplay by William Bowers (A.K.F: The Web '47, Night and Day '46 and Split Second '53) rolls along at a lively pace up to the final scene, that unfortunately, seems to have been either tacked on or hastened by other commitments.
The support cast are also good, with William Conrad menacing as the Orson Wells look alike - double crossing partner in crime. Richard Erdman adds a good presence as Delong, a strange opportunist tagging along hoping for a share of missing heist monies. Auburn haired beauty, and trained Soprano, Rhonda Fleming provides adequate feminine interests. Would sure be nice if someday, footage of her traveling Gospel quartet with Jane Russell, might come to light. Ms Fleming also received the Living Legacy award in '95 for her many contributions to women's health issues. Regis Toomey makes a convincing Detective, and his character is intelligently defined.
'Cry Danger' marks the first Directorial effort for Award winning editor Robert Parrish (Body and Soul '47) who went on to direct: Saddle the Wind '58, and Journey to the Far Side of the Sun '69. Prolific Director of Photography: Josef Biroc (It's a Wonderful Life '46, The Detective '69) captures the seedy sets designed by Hungarian Joseph Kish, to the point where you can almost smell the mold and dust on the walls.
Paul Dunlap (Walk Like a Dragon '60, and several Samuel Fuller efforts) along with Emil Newman, are credited with the Music Score, but others were also involved, so it comes across as pretty much like a stock Library effort.
Not first class Noir, but should please lovers of 50's mystery double features and, any work by Powell is worth watching.
The story by Jerome Cady (A.K.F. Call Northside 777 '48) has many good one liners, and enough twists to keep you hooked till the close. It's unfortunate Cady died at only 45 from an overdose of sleeping pills, taking with him whatever other stories he may have wanted to tell...as well as his own! The Screenplay by William Bowers (A.K.F: The Web '47, Night and Day '46 and Split Second '53) rolls along at a lively pace up to the final scene, that unfortunately, seems to have been either tacked on or hastened by other commitments.
The support cast are also good, with William Conrad menacing as the Orson Wells look alike - double crossing partner in crime. Richard Erdman adds a good presence as Delong, a strange opportunist tagging along hoping for a share of missing heist monies. Auburn haired beauty, and trained Soprano, Rhonda Fleming provides adequate feminine interests. Would sure be nice if someday, footage of her traveling Gospel quartet with Jane Russell, might come to light. Ms Fleming also received the Living Legacy award in '95 for her many contributions to women's health issues. Regis Toomey makes a convincing Detective, and his character is intelligently defined.
'Cry Danger' marks the first Directorial effort for Award winning editor Robert Parrish (Body and Soul '47) who went on to direct: Saddle the Wind '58, and Journey to the Far Side of the Sun '69. Prolific Director of Photography: Josef Biroc (It's a Wonderful Life '46, The Detective '69) captures the seedy sets designed by Hungarian Joseph Kish, to the point where you can almost smell the mold and dust on the walls.
Paul Dunlap (Walk Like a Dragon '60, and several Samuel Fuller efforts) along with Emil Newman, are credited with the Music Score, but others were also involved, so it comes across as pretty much like a stock Library effort.
Not first class Noir, but should please lovers of 50's mystery double features and, any work by Powell is worth watching.