La veuve

Tail end of the great Lewis Milestone, this attempt at a torrid woman's film, of the kind Lana Turner was attempting at the time, sank from view after a flash release as a second feature. The audience I saw it with booed it. Now how often does that happen?

The central failure is Patricia Roc's attempt at fading allure. There's actually quite a bit to admire - particularly for Milestone fans who will spot him framing characters in windows and doors again and fielding his regular Akim Tamiroff. Anna-Maria Ferrero (Il Gobbo di Roma) was registering as a promising new comer at this stage and the black and white craftsmanship is quite adequate.