SYNOPSIS: "Scarlet Street" (1945), directed by Fritz Lang, is a classic film noir that delves into the tragic story of Chris Cross, a meek and mild-mannered cashier in his late fifties. Chris's life takes a drastic turn when he encounters Kitty March, a striking and manipulative femme fatale who claims to be trapped in an abusive relationship with Johnny Prince, a charming but deceitful small-time crook.

Chris, deeply moved by Kitty's apparent vulnerability, offers her shelter and financial support, unaware that Kitty and Johnny are conspiring to exploit him. Kitty, posing as an aspiring artist, encourages Chris's passion for painting, leading him to create artworks under the pseudonym "Christopher Cross."

As Chris becomes infatuated with Kitty, he embezzles money from his employer to fund her extravagant lifestyle and his own dreams of becoming a renowned painter. Meanwhile, Johnny uses Kitty to manipulate Chris further, pushing him deeper into a web of deceit and crime.

Key players in the film include Edward G. Robinson as Chris Cross, portraying his descent from a lonely cashier into a man driven by love and obsession. Joan Bennett plays Kitty March, the captivating and calculating femme fatale who ensnares Chris in her schemes. Dan Duryea shines as Johnny Prince, the conniving partner in crime who exploits Chris's affections for Kitty. Rosalind Ivan portrays Adele Cross, Chris's loyal fiancée who becomes increasingly suspicious of his secretive behavior.

Set against the backdrop of the noir world, "Scarlet Street" explores themes of deception, moral ambiguity, and the destructive power of desire. Directed with Lang's signature style, the film unfolds with tension and psychological depth, culminating in a dramatic and shocking revelation that exposes the true nature of the characters' relationships and the consequences of their actions.

"Scarlet Street" remains a compelling example of film noir, known for its complex characters, atmospheric cinematography, and exploration of human frailty in the face of temptation and betrayal.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: "Scarlet Street" (1945) unfolds as a gripping noir tale centered around Christopher "Chris" Cross (Edward G. Robinson), a meek and downtrodden cashier enduring a joyless marriage to Adele (Rosalind Ivan), a domineering woman who constantly undermines his aspirations and praises her deceased first husband. Chris's life takes a dramatic turn when, on his way home from a store party celebrating his 25th work anniversary, he encounters Kitty March (Joan Bennett), a beautiful young woman apparently in distress and being assaulted by Johnny Prince (Dan Duryea).

Moved by Kitty's apparent vulnerability and captivated by her beauty, Chris intervenes and saves her. Kitty, sensing Chris's loneliness and mistaking him for a wealthy artist due to his humble nature, decides to play along and feign romantic interest. Chris, starved for affection and validation, falls deeply in love with Kitty, believing her to be his chance at happiness and artistic fulfillment.

Unbeknownst to Chris, Kitty and Johnny are a duo of con artists who see Chris as a means to financial gain. Johnny persuades Kitty to manipulate Chris into funding their lifestyle, encouraging Chris's infatuation while using his money for their own schemes. Chris, eager to support Kitty and pursue his passion for painting, embezzles funds from his employer and rents an apartment where he can paint in secret.

Meanwhile, Chris's paintings, which he modestly dismisses, catch the eye of an art dealer who mistakes Kitty for the artist. Sensing an opportunity for profit, Kitty and Johnny perpetuate the deception, catapulting Kitty to fame in the art world while Chris remains anonymous, unaware that his own work is being celebrated under Kitty's name.

As the deception unravels, Adele discovers Chris's financial misdeeds, leading to his dismissal from his job and subsequent humiliation. Desperate and besotted, Chris confesses his love to Kitty, only to be callously rejected. He discovers the truth about Kitty and Johnny's scheme, realizing the extent of their betrayal and his own naivety.

In a moment of intense anguish and rage, Chris confronts Kitty and Johnny in a violent altercation, resulting in him accidentally killing Kitty with a razor blade. Johnny is ultimately arrested and executed for Kitty's murder, while Chris, though technically free from legal repercussions, is left shattered by guilt and the devastation of his dreams.

Haunted by visions of Kitty and Johnny, Chris spirals into despair, abandoning his former life to wander the streets as a homeless vagrant. The film's haunting conclusion leaves Chris trapped in his own personal hell, tormented by the consequences of his choices and forever marked by the tragic events that unfolded due to his misplaced trust and unrequited love.

PRODUCTION: "Scarlet Street" (1945) stands as a quintessential film noir masterpiece, directed by the legendary Fritz Lang, known for his mastery in the genre. The screenplay, crafted by Dudley Nichols, drew its inspiration from the French novel "La Chienne" by Georges de La Fouchardière, which had been previously adapted into a film by Jean Renoir in 1931. Lang's adaptation brought a distinctly dark and atmospheric quality to the narrative, capturing the essence of moral ambiguity and psychological depth.

Milton R. Krasner's cinematography played a crucial role in enhancing the film's noir aesthetics, utilizing shadowy compositions and stark contrasts to intensify the characters' inner turmoil and the bleak urban landscape of New York City. Complementing the visuals was the haunting musical score by Hans J. Salter, which underscored the film's tension and emotional complexity, deepening the noir atmosphere.

Produced by Fritz Lang and Walter Wanger, "Scarlet Street" benefited from Lang's meticulous direction, which crafted each scene to emphasize the characters' moral dilemmas and psychological conflicts. The cast delivered memorable performances, with Joan Bennett portraying the manipulative and seductive Kitty March, Edward G. Robinson portraying the vulnerable and conflicted Chris Cross, and Dan Duryea as the cunning and manipulative Johnny Prince.

The film's exploration of themes like obsession, betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked desire resonated deeply with audiences, cementing its status as a classic in the film noir canon. Lang's directorial vision, coupled with the stellar performances and evocative cinematography, ensured that "Scarlet Street" remains a compelling and enduring example of the complexities of human nature and the dark undercurrents of urban life portrayed through the lens of film noir.

RELEASE: Upon its release in 1945, "Scarlet Street" garnered significant acclaim for its compelling storytelling, strong performances, and the atmospheric direction of Fritz Lang. Variety's review underscored the film's achievements, particularly highlighting Edward G. Robinson's performance as Chris Cross, describing it as "a masterful study in quiet desperation and moral decay." Robinson, known for his typically tough-guy roles, brought a nuanced vulnerability to Chris, portraying a man trapped in a loveless marriage and driven to desperation by his unrequited artistic ambitions.

Joan Bennett's portrayal of Kitty March, the manipulative femme fatale, and Dan Duryea's role as Johnny Prince, her cunning and opportunistic lover, were also praised for their convincing and ruthless depictions. Bennett's ability to switch between seductive charm and cold-hearted manipulation added depth to her character, while Duryea's portrayal of Johnny Prince brought an unsettling edge to the film's tension.

Fritz Lang's direction was a cornerstone of the film's success, noted by Variety for its dark and atmospheric qualities that defined the noir genre. Lang's attention to detail and his ability to create a sense of urban decay and moral ambiguity through cinematography and lighting added depth to the narrative. 

Overall, "Scarlet Street" was recognized not only for its technical prowess but also for its exploration of complex themes such as obsession, deception, and the consequences of desire. The film's ability to delve into the darker aspects of human nature within the framework of a suspenseful noir narrative resonated with audiences and critics alike, solidifying its place as a classic of the genre. Through compelling performances, atmospheric direction, and a gripping storyline, "Scarlet Street" continues to be celebrated as a standout example of film noir storytelling that remains relevant and captivating to this day.

CAST:

• Edward G. Robinson as Christopher Cross

• Joan Bennett as Katherine "Kitty" March

• Dan Duryea as Johnny Prince

• Margaret Lindsay as Millie Ray

• Rosalind Ivan as Adele Cross

• Jess Barker as David Janeway

• Charles Kemper as Homer Higgins

• Anita Sharp-Bolster as Mrs. Michaels

• Samuel S. Hinds as Charles Pringle

• Vladimir Sokoloff as Pop LeJon

• Arthur Loft as Dellarowe

• Russell Hicks as J.J. Hogarth
  

CREW:

• Director: Fritz Lang

• Producers: Fritz Lang, Walter Wanger

• Writer: Dudley Nichols (screenplay), André Mouézy-Éon (play), Georges de La Fouchardiére (novel)

• Cinematographer: Milton R. Krasner

• Editor: Arthur Hilton

• Music: Hans J. Salter

• Art Director: Alexander Golitzen
  

Production Company: Diana Production
Distributor: Universal Pictures

Release Date: December 28, 1945
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 102 minutes
Budget: Estimated $1.2 million
Box Office Return: $3 million

IMDB Rating =  7.7 / 10

TRIVIA:

• Fritz Lang's second collaboration with Edward G. Robinson, Joan Bennett, and Dan Duryea, following "The Woman in the Window" (1944).

• Faced censorship and bans in cities like New York, Milwaukee, and Atlanta due to themes of adultery, murder, and moral ambiguity.

• Joan Bennett considered her role as Kitty March one of her favorites, exploring a darker character.

• Edward G. Robinson, known for his gangster roles, enjoyed portraying a subdued character with artistic aspirations.

• Art direction and set design created a claustrophobic atmosphere reflecting Chris Cross's emotional turmoil.

• Twelve paintings by John Decker created for the film were exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in 1946.

• The beer bottles in the film are identified as Schlitz, with their labels intentionally obscured to avoid legal issues, as product placement rules were not yet established.

• Challenged Production Code norms with its resolution where the wrong man is executed for a crime while the true culprit goes unpunished.

• Fritz Lang regarded "Scarlet Street" as one of his personal favorite films, exploring dark themes and character dynamics.

”Scarlet Street” remains a compelling film noir from 1944, celebrated for its dark atmosphere, intricate plot, and Edward G. Robinson's memorable performance, continuing to captivate audiences with its exploration of crime, deception, and moral ambiguity.