This film noir does not quite cut the mustard despite its cast. Former cinematographer Byron Haskin tried his hand at directing with decidedly mixed results. The 'wordiness' of this one betrays the fact that it is based upon a stage play. As a plus we have Lisabeth Scott, surely one of the most alluring actresses of the time and Wendell Corey making the most of a crummy part. Kristine Miller has a small but telling role of a haughty but naughty socialite and Marc Lawrence as a hood is always good value. The really interesting feature is of course seeing Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas as they were then compared to what they became. Both these actors were extremely ambitious, hard-working and determined to improve their skills by working with better scripts and for better directors. Luckily for us they both succeeded admirably in their endeavours. This is the first of seven films they made together. This one is not nearly as effective as it should be but every film noir cannot be a classic.
Review of I Walk Alone
