Le crime de la semaine

Essentially known as the master of science fiction Jack Arnold astonishes us in this 3-D Noir offering Glass Web where the arts mimic the life, in a contrived plot about a weirdo TV show weekly aired exposes several murders intitled as Crime of the Week sponsored by a famous tobacco company, turns out that such company wasn't so happy concerning the low audience and seemingly won't renovate the sponsorship.

Oddly enough falls from sky a great opportunity due a mediatic crime carried out in that night involved a beauty woman Paula (Kathleen Hughes), all evidences point out as passionate crime supposedly committed by a jealous husband arrested at jail, thus the wiser technical adviser Henry Hayes (Edward G. Robinson) proposes emulate this case on the upcoming Crime of the Week, even against the will of the head writer Don Newell (John Forsythe).

However the police suspects that such girl Paula had something linked with TV show's crew members and expect some hints to lead to real killer, in fact both Hayes and Newell had a torrid affairs with the femme fatale, the story is told by many flashbacks that implies both as true lovers, nonetheless whoever killed the B-girl remains unknown...yet!!

Thanks for reading.

Resume:

First watch: 2024 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.

This crime thriller is the best proof that Jack Arnold was not only a terrific science fiction film or western maker - remember TARANTULA, INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN, CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON for sci-ci; and NO NAME ON THE BULLET, MAN FROM BITTER RIDGE, concerning westerns. This plot looks so like a Richard Levinson and William Link's story - COLUMBO screenwriters. The perfect crime improvised by a well known TV man. Only a Columbo like detective is missing. I definitely love this fifties thriller, bringing a typical atmosphere of this period. But the 3 D special effects are not that adequate in this kind of story.

"The Glass Web" was originally filmed in 3-D in 1953. To director Jack Arnold's credit, he doesn't litter the movie with 3-D effects but limits them to scenes that do little to interfere with the plot.

Edward G. Robinson, John Forsythe and Richard Denning are involved in the weekly production of realism crime TV show called "Crime of the Week". Kathleen Hughes plays an actress who "uses" men to achieve her goals. Both Forsythe and Robinson, unbeknownst to each other are involved with her. When she turns up murdered it is decided to make her demise the subject of the season ending show in order to encourage the sponser to pick up the show for the following season. But who really killed her?

"The Glass Web" is interesting not only for its intricate plot and 3-D effects, but for a look inside 1950s TV production. It was a time in television when shows were produced live on a weekly basis. So you can appreciate the pressure upon the production team to come up with a new and interesting show every week. This is the basis behind the plot of this picture.

Robinson is cool and sinister in his role and Forsythe is very good as the harried writer. Kathleen Hughes is also quite good as the femme fatale. Trivia buffs may remember that she was known as "the 3-D girl" during the 3-D craze, due to her many appearances in 3-D films.

"The Glass Web" is a dated but effective thriller representative of the period.

How I love film noir n films from the 40's & 50's! A very engaging and thrilling film with a great Cast!! Kathleen Hughes( It Came From Outer Space fame) plays a vixen Supreme! She snares her victims like a Spider in its Web. Great cast with Edward G. Robinson, Richard Denning & John Forsythe! A solid thriller now on Blu Ray n also in 3D - if you are set up for it!

I highly recommend this newly released to BLU Ray and its another fine 1950's Film Noir!!! They truely do not make films like this anymore! Kathleen Hughes is the only one still alive from the cast, she is now 96! God bless her! Catch her also in, " IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE " also released in 1953!!!

Breezy programmer pits "Crime of the Week" star John Forsythe in a battle of wits against technical consultant Edward G. Robinson. The backdrop is the murder of a calculating and blackmailing beautiful siren, well-played by the radiant Kathleen Hughes. Meanwhile, the record "Temptation" plays over and over and over again. A solid "B" movie supporting cast and inventive direction moves this one along quickly with the debonair Forsythe disarmed for quite a while by the bulldoggishly cynical Edward G. Robinson. The crime eventually gets reenacted on the TV show in the show's climactic scene. The trap is set, and somebody bites. I enjoyed the resolution, and hope you will also. Warning, Temptation is played so many times that it will probably run through your head for quite some time after seeing this one.