Girl in 313

"Girl in 313" is a B-movie from Twentieth Century-Fox. You can tell it's a B because it is less than an hour in length and stars lesser known actors. What is a B? Well, it's a cheaper, more quickly made film designed as a second film for a double-feature...which was the norm back in the day. Yes, you'd pay your admission and get to see two different films...plus, likely, you'd get a cartoon, newsreel and some other sort of short!

A valuable brooch is stolen during a fashion show. An agent working for the store vows to retrieve the brooch and the trail leads to a pretty young lady thief. Soon, however, the pair join forces....which is ridiculously improbable. What happens next...even more improbable. I won't say more as I don't want to spoil the suspense.

Like many B-movies, the writing for "Girl in 313" sure isn't very good. In fact, it's poor for two main reasons. The big twist is unexpected...but also ridiculously improbable and hard to believe. Additionally, the use of a kooky character (the maid, Mary Treen) is most unwanted as it's supposed to be a serious mystery. Overall, pretty much what you'd expect in a cheap B....and nothing more.

I'm a big fan of Florence Rice who made 47 films over a 10 year period in the 30's and early 40's and who toiled in virtual anonymity. My goal is to see all 47 movies. To date I have seen 6 and she has been outstanding in all of them. Not all of the scripts have been outstanding but Florence brings a freshness and enthusiasm for all of them. This is no exception. The Girl in 313 is an absolutely wonderful movie with surprises, twists and turns around every corner. She is teamed here with a co-star from her movie Four Girls in White made a year earlier (1939). There is real chemistry between them. Mary Treen and Jack Carson (yes THE Jack Carson)provide some good funny moments. Look for a young James Flavin in a small role. But its Rice and Taylor that keep this movie filled with energy. One wishes that this movie was longer. I usually complain that films today are too long and bog down, but these little "B" movies of the 30's 40's and 50's are sometimes too short. When you come across as good a movie as this is, excellent script, enchanting leads, solid supporting players, you wish it would go on and on. The Girl in 313 is a buried treasure that needs to be excavated. Its hard to find but there is a DVD out there. Definitely worth seeing more than once