Some say this is an update to Bette Davis' film "The Letter". There are similarities, but I think saying that it is a remake is an exaggeration. The ending, in particular, is completely different. Reformulation or not, this is still a darned good film noir.
This is only a "B" picture, but an unusually strong one. And the main reason for that strength is the good cast. Ann Sheridan was in her decline by this time, but I have always felt she was a strong actress who could excel in comedy or drama. She does very nicely here. Lew Ayres also does well as the lawyer that defends Sheridan. Zachary Scott, who often plays the heavy, plays the good husband here, and does so quite nicely. Eve Arden is along as a friend, but her big scene -- other than her typical sardonic humor -- doesn't come until her rather long confrontation with Zachary Scott. John Hoyt does nicely as the investigating detective, and Jerome Cowan plays the prosecuting attorney.
The legal aspects covered in this film are done quite well. Ayes, in particular, seems to have a role that is realistic as a defense attorney. Overall it's a fairly gritty picture, but not overdone.
One of the things I liked about this film is that rather than have the film take place in some "other" city, it takes place in Los Angeles, which provides an inexpensive way to have some nice location shots.
This is only a "B" picture, but an unusually strong one. And the main reason for that strength is the good cast. Ann Sheridan was in her decline by this time, but I have always felt she was a strong actress who could excel in comedy or drama. She does very nicely here. Lew Ayres also does well as the lawyer that defends Sheridan. Zachary Scott, who often plays the heavy, plays the good husband here, and does so quite nicely. Eve Arden is along as a friend, but her big scene -- other than her typical sardonic humor -- doesn't come until her rather long confrontation with Zachary Scott. John Hoyt does nicely as the investigating detective, and Jerome Cowan plays the prosecuting attorney.
The legal aspects covered in this film are done quite well. Ayes, in particular, seems to have a role that is realistic as a defense attorney. Overall it's a fairly gritty picture, but not overdone.
One of the things I liked about this film is that rather than have the film take place in some "other" city, it takes place in Los Angeles, which provides an inexpensive way to have some nice location shots.