Directed By Roy William Neill
SYNOPSIS
After a singer is found strangled, the man she was having an affair with (John Phillips) is arrested and sentenced to die for the killing, even though he professes his innocence. His wife Catherine (June Vincent) and the singer’s estranged alcoholic songwriter husband (Dan Duryea) team up to find the real killer. They believe a nightclub owner (Peter Lorre) is responsible and get a job as a musical act at the club… but the killer might be someone close to them that they don’t even suspect!
A great twist ending helps to lift Black Angel above the usual film noir crowd.
The atmosphere of noir is in full effect. Universal Pictures was still a B-movie studio, so the shorter shooting time meant Black Angel wouldn’t be as ‘arty’ with extreme contrasts and shadows like bigger budget noirs, but it has plenty of atmosphere and some truly effective camera shots.
The opening shot of Duryea walking on the street seems to almost be from a bird’s point of view and the camera then sweeps up several stories to the singer’s apartment shortly before her death. It’s not as well known or as great as the long opening tracking shot in Touch Of Evil, but is still effective. The later drunken point-of-view shots from Dan Duryea’s character create a definitely woozy feeling. It’s some of the best drunk/drugged POV shots ever done in film that I've seen.
The atmosphere certainly helps to create some memorable performances.
Dan Duryea, with his voice and slicked-back hair, comes off as a perfect sleazebag - ideal as a noir protagonist.
Catherine is not your usual noir ‘femme fatal’ but a sympathetic and good heroine. June Vincent brings out the bestin the role, especially as a singer.
Peter Lorre is always a delight to watch and here is no different. His character is merely a red herring, but he adds his unique blend of humor and menace. The supporting performers, like Broderick Crawford, all bring their A-game to the B-movie.
The film’s twist ending is cleverly done and is much better than anything twist-ending king M. Night Shamalan could ever come up with.
Black Angel is somewhat forgotten and should be rediscovered and put higher up on the list of outstanding film noir.
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