I have never seen "La Chienne," the movie that others say this is based on. I can only say what of think of this film. I thought this film was interesting and sad, and I have seen it several times and enjoy it every time.
"Kitty" and "Johnny" are con artists who dupe a middle-aged lonely man into loving Kitty, who's a lazy whore. Robinson has a painting hobby that has never gone anywhere, and he criticizes his own work for lacking "perspective." But he's happy to show Kitty his work, pretending he is a successful artist.
I have always liked Edward G. Robinson, in every role I have ever seen him in. In this film, he is married to an old, mean wretch of a woman, his job is really at a bank as a clerk, and when a younger, beautiful Joan Bennett pretends to be in love with him, he does everything he can to keep that love, even if it means going against the law to satisfy her demands for money.
In turn, the woman "Kitty" and her boyfriend, start showing his artwork using her name, and amazingly, she is a sensation. He ultimately finds this out, and even so, only wants her love, and she turns on him harshly, saying she never cared for him, making fun of him, and crushes his heart. He goes berserk, and winds up lonely, haunted by the beauty he thought loved him.
I thought this film was great film noir, and I enjoyed all the characters. Dan Duryea is at his best as a total piece of slime, Joan is a cruel, lazy beauty, and Robinson is just great in his role as a lonely, desperate man who only wants to be loved and admired.
"Kitty" and "Johnny" are con artists who dupe a middle-aged lonely man into loving Kitty, who's a lazy whore. Robinson has a painting hobby that has never gone anywhere, and he criticizes his own work for lacking "perspective." But he's happy to show Kitty his work, pretending he is a successful artist.
I have always liked Edward G. Robinson, in every role I have ever seen him in. In this film, he is married to an old, mean wretch of a woman, his job is really at a bank as a clerk, and when a younger, beautiful Joan Bennett pretends to be in love with him, he does everything he can to keep that love, even if it means going against the law to satisfy her demands for money.
In turn, the woman "Kitty" and her boyfriend, start showing his artwork using her name, and amazingly, she is a sensation. He ultimately finds this out, and even so, only wants her love, and she turns on him harshly, saying she never cared for him, making fun of him, and crushes his heart. He goes berserk, and winds up lonely, haunted by the beauty he thought loved him.
I thought this film was great film noir, and I enjoyed all the characters. Dan Duryea is at his best as a total piece of slime, Joan is a cruel, lazy beauty, and Robinson is just great in his role as a lonely, desperate man who only wants to be loved and admired.