The bad news (which isn't really that bad) is that if you're expecting the William Powell that we all love in movies like "The Thin Man", well, you're going to be disappointed. There's no witty comedy here...thank goodness. But what you do have is that rarest of rare things -- a movie about amnesia that actually works (the only other one that comes to mind is "Random Harvest". What's good about this is that it keeps you guessing. First, is he or isn't he. Second, if he isn't, how is he going to get out of his situation.
William Powell, who portrays a French diplomat, is excellent here. In parts of the film he seems a bit befuddled...but he's supposed to be since half his life is gone in his memory, and he questions whether he is the good man of his later life, or a bad man in his former life.
Hedy Lamarr, not one of my favorites, is quite good here as his wife. I must say that recently I've watched a few of her films and I may have to change my mind about her acting ability.
It isn't that Claire Trevor's acting as a blackmailer is spectacular, but it occurred to me what a broad resume she had in films. She does swell here.
Basil Rathbone is reasonably good as the chief blackmailer.
Character actress Margaret Wycherly has a fine turn as one of the blackmailers, particular in that she SORT OF plays 2 roles here...and is convincing in both.
Felix Bressart (here as a doctor) is always a welcome treat as character actors go, but this role is a bit different for him, and he plays it very well.
There are 2 problems here. The first is not that great a problem -- a slightly slow beginning for the first quarter of the film. The bigger problem is how quickly the film wraps up and hands us a happy ending. It's not an implausible ending...just seems to come around all too conveniently.
Nevertheless, this film really held my interest. A very strong "7". Recommended.
William Powell, who portrays a French diplomat, is excellent here. In parts of the film he seems a bit befuddled...but he's supposed to be since half his life is gone in his memory, and he questions whether he is the good man of his later life, or a bad man in his former life.
Hedy Lamarr, not one of my favorites, is quite good here as his wife. I must say that recently I've watched a few of her films and I may have to change my mind about her acting ability.
It isn't that Claire Trevor's acting as a blackmailer is spectacular, but it occurred to me what a broad resume she had in films. She does swell here.
Basil Rathbone is reasonably good as the chief blackmailer.
Character actress Margaret Wycherly has a fine turn as one of the blackmailers, particular in that she SORT OF plays 2 roles here...and is convincing in both.
Felix Bressart (here as a doctor) is always a welcome treat as character actors go, but this role is a bit different for him, and he plays it very well.
There are 2 problems here. The first is not that great a problem -- a slightly slow beginning for the first quarter of the film. The bigger problem is how quickly the film wraps up and hands us a happy ending. It's not an implausible ending...just seems to come around all too conveniently.
Nevertheless, this film really held my interest. A very strong "7". Recommended.