"When Strangers Marry" (not "When Cousins Marry" like the poster in the musical 'The Producers') is a good 1944 noir directed by William Castle starring Robert Mitchum, Kim Hunter, Dean Jagger, and Neil Hamilton.
Hunter plays Mildred, who could have had Robert Mitchum but instead marries Dean Jagger after knowing him for four months and seeing him three times. Jagger was attractive, but I know whom I would have chosen. Millie's new husband, Paul, is supposed to meet her in New York City after their wedding, but when he doesn't show, she panics. An ex-beau, Fred (Mitchum) is also at the hotel and takes her to the police so that she can report him. Seems he left Philadelphia on the same date as the Silk Stocking Murder, so the police want to know more about him.
When Paul does show, he acts mysteriously. Millie becomes frightened, but she's torn by her love for him.
Though it's from poverty row Monogram Studios, Castle gives us an atmospheric movie with neat images. I know people have compared it to "Seventh Victim," a Val Lewton film, but some of it reminded me of the Jacques Tourneur "Cat People," particularly the photo used for the poster. The second-last scene is fantastic.
The film's New York City references are a little off. It's not Bleeker Street and 7th Street, it's Bleecker Street and 7th Avenue; and why the car taking passengers to Louisville KY goes through Harlem instead of the other way is anyone's guess. But it gives us a great scene.
Tense, exciting, with good performances and surprisingly short "When Strangers Marry" is highly recommended.
Hunter plays Mildred, who could have had Robert Mitchum but instead marries Dean Jagger after knowing him for four months and seeing him three times. Jagger was attractive, but I know whom I would have chosen. Millie's new husband, Paul, is supposed to meet her in New York City after their wedding, but when he doesn't show, she panics. An ex-beau, Fred (Mitchum) is also at the hotel and takes her to the police so that she can report him. Seems he left Philadelphia on the same date as the Silk Stocking Murder, so the police want to know more about him.
When Paul does show, he acts mysteriously. Millie becomes frightened, but she's torn by her love for him.
Though it's from poverty row Monogram Studios, Castle gives us an atmospheric movie with neat images. I know people have compared it to "Seventh Victim," a Val Lewton film, but some of it reminded me of the Jacques Tourneur "Cat People," particularly the photo used for the poster. The second-last scene is fantastic.
The film's New York City references are a little off. It's not Bleeker Street and 7th Street, it's Bleecker Street and 7th Avenue; and why the car taking passengers to Louisville KY goes through Harlem instead of the other way is anyone's guess. But it gives us a great scene.
Tense, exciting, with good performances and surprisingly short "When Strangers Marry" is highly recommended.