Stuart Heisler is one of the best B picture directors I know. Most of his films post high quality cinematography and acting despite budgetary and other limitations, and AMONG THE LIVING is no exception.
Albert Dekker plays the twin Raden brothers with considerable verve, alternating the calm and good sense of John with the mad and murderous Paul. Lovely Frances Farmer plays John's loyal wife, Susan Hayward the selfish and sluttish lass who sees an opportunity to skin Paul, who somehow has a great deal of money on him, even though he has been held captive for over 25 years in the basement of his house. What makes it even odder is that we first see him in a straight jacket, and then he just freely hands out lettuce, seemingly without any idea as to its worth.
Harry Carey also delivers a stunning performance, although his metamorphosis from forging death certificates and other illegalities to upstanding citizen admitting his guilt and showing readiness to pay his debt to society at the end is anything but easy to buy.
Quirky script, great chase sequence, wonderful crowd reactions and crazy behavior all combine to render this a gem of a B picture.
Don't miss it! 8/10.
Albert Dekker plays the twin Raden brothers with considerable verve, alternating the calm and good sense of John with the mad and murderous Paul. Lovely Frances Farmer plays John's loyal wife, Susan Hayward the selfish and sluttish lass who sees an opportunity to skin Paul, who somehow has a great deal of money on him, even though he has been held captive for over 25 years in the basement of his house. What makes it even odder is that we first see him in a straight jacket, and then he just freely hands out lettuce, seemingly without any idea as to its worth.
Harry Carey also delivers a stunning performance, although his metamorphosis from forging death certificates and other illegalities to upstanding citizen admitting his guilt and showing readiness to pay his debt to society at the end is anything but easy to buy.
Quirky script, great chase sequence, wonderful crowd reactions and crazy behavior all combine to render this a gem of a B picture.
Don't miss it! 8/10.