For Lovers Of Old Movies, Film Noir; Did You Know About This Fine Upload of Fritz Lang's SCARLET STREET?

Question

Director Fritz Lang (1890-1976) was a major player in the film aspect of Germany's school of expressionism, which came over to the USA and developed into film noir. I read that propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels first offered Lang the position eventually filled by notorious Leni Riefenstahl, in the Third Reich. 

Lang was a soldier who suffered from shell shock (PTSD), which may have affected his brutal directing style that made some actors/actresses refuse to work with him. His monocle was an affectation, promoting his tough persona.

The Encyclopedia Britannica describes his films as "masterpieces of visual composition and expressionistic suspense...noirish masterpieces of menace—tone poems of fear and fate that have stood the test of time."

If you appreciate film noir and have not yet seen this one, enjoy!!! (Edward G. Robinson, Joan Bennett, Dan Duryea.)

Answer 1

I have seen that movie years ago and it was great! Edward G. Robinson was one of the greatest actors of all time and when you have Dan Duryea (as a small time crook) in it, it's even better. Been a while since I've seen that but I'll keep my eye out on TCM for it.

I am aware of Fritz Lang mainly from the late great Robert Osborne who talked quite a bit about him before one of his movies was shown. He was a master in his own style and ways.It was when this film aired.

Answer 2

Oh Rooster! The Marlene Dietrich movie also has Arthur Kennedy, and he was SO young there...

And I did not even realize that Robert Osborne has died; sorrow...he was wonderful.

Answer 3

No, I don't remember having seen Scarlett Streat, but it is based on another movie directed by Jean Renoir, with Michel Simon as main character:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Chienne

(video clip with English subtitles, Michel Simon is on the left)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet_Street

But I saw several other movies with Edward G. Robinson, who was and still is also highly appreciated on our side of the "Big Pond".

Virginia, you might have heard of "Boudu Saved from Drowning" (again directed by J. Renoir):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boudu_Saved_from_Drowning

Answer 4

Marianne, I have not heard of Boudou, however I do recall that SCARLET STREET was indeed based on La Chienne, but it was a novel!

...and yes, I remember the same LA CHIENNE scene as you have posted, it was very similar in SCARLET STREET.

Answer 5

Well, Virginia, the plot is indeed very similar in both movies, and it is nice to know that the scene posted is familiar to you; after all, Scarlett Street was based on the movie and the novel.

Answer 6

I haven't seen this movie. I started watching it last night; it's good!