Gathering up titles to see for a run of viewings from auteurs in '42,I tried to find some lesser-known movies from future big name film makers. Finding Rififi (1955-also reviewed) to be mesmerising,I was interested to stumble on a early creation from Jules Dassin,which led to me meeting Martha.
View on the film:
In only his third directing credit and miles away from the Film Noir of the future, director Jules Dassin displays his skill in bringing character to dialogue-free sequences.In this case,Dassin keeps in time to Bronislau Kaper's chirpy score and creating a living MGM Cartoon atmosphere,which jumps around thanks to Dassin framing the family in strange symmetrical shots.
Losing out on the sassy edge it would have had in the Pre-Code era, the screenplay by Isobel Lennart & Lee Gold still rolls out a delightful Screwball Comedy, spun from funny dialogue of the whispers across the wealthy town of a butler/maid writing a tell-all book, landing on smooth Melodrama from maid Martha trying to keep her writings secrets from boss Sophia Sommerfield. Knowing all the family secrets, cute Marsha Hunt gives a sweet, breezy turn as Martha, who wishes to no longer keep secret the affairs of her heart.
View on the film:
In only his third directing credit and miles away from the Film Noir of the future, director Jules Dassin displays his skill in bringing character to dialogue-free sequences.In this case,Dassin keeps in time to Bronislau Kaper's chirpy score and creating a living MGM Cartoon atmosphere,which jumps around thanks to Dassin framing the family in strange symmetrical shots.
Losing out on the sassy edge it would have had in the Pre-Code era, the screenplay by Isobel Lennart & Lee Gold still rolls out a delightful Screwball Comedy, spun from funny dialogue of the whispers across the wealthy town of a butler/maid writing a tell-all book, landing on smooth Melodrama from maid Martha trying to keep her writings secrets from boss Sophia Sommerfield. Knowing all the family secrets, cute Marsha Hunt gives a sweet, breezy turn as Martha, who wishes to no longer keep secret the affairs of her heart.