last night i rewatched 'tension', a seriously 'b' film from 1949. it wasn't so much tense as fun. half noir half comic book fun. the whole concept of inferior films is strange to me, like having a small budget means the work will be par standard. some 'b' movies are knockouts.
richard basehart is perfectly cast as a mild pharmacist who figures out how to get away with killing the lover of his low life wife. said wife is played by audrey totter. she is excellent at portraying a woman who doesn't seem to mind things one way or another till she finds out she's been passed over. her indignance is joyous.
much of this story is hard to believe but it is always best to just go with the experience and settle into the satisfaction that comes with a tidy ending. the fact that a guy could exchange glasses for the new concept of 'contact lenses' and actually believe he will not be recognized is kind of wonderful. three cheers for innocence. the beauteous cyd charisse and tall, slightly suspect barry sullivan add to this great cast. a world gone by.
1 comment:
richard basehart, is like comfort food on a cold dank afternoon. i will always associate him with the saturday afternoon sci-fi movies i watch with my brothers in our 70's decor den.
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