Crime of Passion

Rating:
Summary: Marry in Haste.....
Review: "Crime of Passion" is a solid basic film noir. It lacks much of the dark exteriors, night shots, strange camera angles and gloomy interiors of a complete noir film but this is still the real thing. Barbara Stanwyck is a successful newspaper columnist in San Francisco. She impulsively marries an L.A. cop, Sterling Hayden. The suddenness of the marriage might signal some future "problems". The newlyweds settle down to a neat little suburban house, which would appear right at home on an "Ozzie and Harriet" set. Hayden is happy as a clam but not the Mrs! She wants more! She quickly becomes bored with the stilted little dinner parties and catty gossip of the other police wives. Who could blame her! Then Stanwyck over reaches! She has an affair with her hubby's boss. The intent was getting him a promotion. The guy is none other than Raymond Burr, the soon to be Perry Mason of 50s TV fame. Can we imagine Perry getting involved with a hot girl like Barbara? This reviewer is straining not to give away the ending, so I'll just reveal that matters start to unravel. At least one person winds up dead! The gossip columnist is out of her league. Her ploy does not exactly work. The hard-nosed ending is quite satisfying and in line with 40s and 50s cop/noir films. A star is subtracted for the rather sudden "resolution". 2 final notes: True crime fans may be appalled at one especially egregious example of shoddy police work. Does anyone remember the term "protection of evidence"? No wonder O.J. walked 35 years later! Silver and Ward's "Film Noir" states that CP was a prime example of the "malaise infecting suburbia" in the 1950s. While that does not apply to Hayden it certainly does to his conniving spouse. If only she had stayed in San Francisco!

Rating:
Summary: Marry in Haste.....
Review: "Crime of Passion" is a solid basic film noir. It lacks much of the dark exteriors, night shots, strange camera angles and gloomy interiors of a complete noir film but this is still the real thing. Barbara Stanwyck is a successful newspaper columnist in San Francisco. She impulsively marries an L.A. cop, Sterling Hayden. The suddenness of the marriage might signal some future "problems". The newlyweds settle down to a neat little suburban house, which would appear right at home on an "Ozzie and Harriet" set. Hayden is happy as a clam but not the Mrs! She wants more! She quickly becomes bored with the stilted little dinner parties and catty gossip of the other police wives. Who could blame her! Then Stanwyck over reaches! She has an affair with her hubby's boss. The intent was getting him a promotion. The guy is none other than Raymond Burr, the soon to be Perry Mason of 50s TV fame. Can we imagine Perry getting involved with a hot girl like Barbara? This reviewer is straining not to give away the ending, so I'll just reveal that matters start to unravel. At least one person winds up dead! The gossip columnist is out of her league. Her ploy does not exactly work. The hard-nosed ending is quite satisfying and in line with 40s and 50s cop/noir films. A star is subtracted for the rather sudden "resolution". 2 final notes: True crime fans may be appalled at one especially egregious example of shoddy police work. Does anyone remember the term "protection of evidence"? No wonder O.J. walked 35 years later! Silver and Ward's "Film Noir" states that CP was a prime example of the "malaise infecting suburbia" in the 1950s. While that does not apply to Hayden it certainly does to his conniving spouse. If only she had stayed in San Francisco!

Rating:
Summary: Latter Day Barbara Stanwyck In Engrossing Crime Story
Review: "Crime of Passion", it seems is never included in the pantheon of Stanwyck classics during any retrospective of her legendary career however it makes an interesting addition to her body of film work in the mid 1950's when meaty roles for maturing actresses like Stanwyck and Bette Davis were becoming increasingly scarse. Having to spend alot of her creative time in this period appearing in westerns or television, "Crime of Passion", in a way represented a return to the type of role Barbara had made her own, the non nonsense practical woman who could match a man every step of the way in intelligence and drive. While no great classic the film benefits from a powerful performance by the seasoned Stanwyck who always knew how to play both vulnerable and tough when the situation called for it. In "Crime of Passion", she begins as a fast talking, non nonsense newspaper columnist Kathy ferguson who has no time for romantic attachments. Underneath however is a woman who wants to be loved and when the opportunity for the usual option of marriage and family offers itself Kathy impulsively jumps at it. However following that "traditional", path has its pitfalls which leads Kathy into a nightmarish world of ambition, infidelty and murder. Here is where the real power of "Crime of Passion", sits as it shows an ambitious driven woman who to "improve", the very different man she marries, is prepared to involve herself in murder to make it happen. Alot of societies expectations of this mid 1950's era, of who and what men and women "should", be are vividly brought to life in this screenplay which makes "Crime of Passion", an intriguing snapshot of another time and set of expectations.

The story opens with Kathy Ferguson (Stanwyck), leading the sort of independant, no frills life she enjoys. She is a columnist on a San Francisco newspaper offering advice to the love lorn. She is successful and respected and operates very well within a traditional man's world of journalism. When some LA detectives are brought in on a case where Kathy has been offering advise to the woman of a wanted man Kathy's life is changed forever when she encounters affable Police Lt.Bill Doyle (Sterling Hayden), along with his arrogant superior Capt. Charlie Alidos (Royal Dano),who believes women should only be concerned about cooking and caring for their husbands. Bill makes a refreshing change from the usual ruff and tumble crowd Kathy is used to and before much time has passed Kathy finds herself not only resigning her position on the newspaper to be with Bill, but also marrying him and moving out into the suburban life in the San Fernando Valley. However domestic bliss as the house wife with the picture postcard suburban home soon pales for Kathy as she begins to realise very quickly the mind numbing existence she is trapped in. Not only does her domestic routine appear drab and predictable but is seems that Bill very quickly settles into this type of non challenging existence and has no desire to try an improve himself. Kathy's own intelligence is also put to the test when she must endure endless evenings of silly small talk with the other police men's wives who's thoughts dont go beyond new dresses and things to do with their homes. Kathy quickly realises she needs to take matters into her own hands to get Bill into the type of responsible positions she feels he is capable of away from this suffocating existence. Kathy sees that the real person who could make a difference is Police Captain Tony Pope (Raymond Burr)and she sets out to win over both him and his wife Alice (Fay Wray)in her plan to get Bill promoted out of his mundane job. Becoming increasingly desperate to improve things in their lives Kathy learns that Tony Pope is planning on retirement so she uses every means at her disposal to win his job for Bill. Being of a similiar character Kathy and Tony square off against each other with few illusions which ultimately results in them having a short affair which Kathy naively believes will secure Bill the coveted place in the Police hierachy. Tony however has his own private views on who should succeed him in the top position and when it becomes obvious to Kathy that Tony has no intention of naming Bill as his successor things definately turn ugly. Discarded as a momentary fling by Tony Kathy resorts to the most permanent of solutions for her problems,... murder. However this supposed solution to her situation has the opposite effect where all her schemes unravel and she eventually not only looses her marriage but finds herself convicted of murder in the first degree.

A vintage noir drama "Crime of Passion", certainly is with the usual twists and turns in the sometimes incredible proceedings but it is the performances that make it interesting viewing. Barbara Stanwyck is right at home in this type of character who is ruler of her own destiny and is smart and forward thinking. Despite her at times odd chemistry with the much more placid Sterling Hayden playing her husband the two generally combine well together while Hayden would certainly never be listed among Stanwyck's more memorable leading men. Raymond Burr in a pre "Perry Mason", acting role does well as the hardnosed Police Chief who sees through Kathy's devious thinking and pays the ultimate price for standing in her way. The scenes between Burr and Barbara Stanwyck surprisingly bristle with a real sexual tension one does not expect from one of televisions most loved personalities. "Crime of Passion", also has on offer two veteran actresses playing most interesting supporting characters here in Fay Wray as Alice the unsuspecting wife of Burr's character who befriends Kathy and Virginia Grey as Sara Alidos, Kathy's rival in her quest to have Bill promoted. Both veteran actresses have some of their best later career scenes here in particular when they are performing with Barbara Stanwyck. Perhaps the main weakness in "Crime of Passion", is the sudden turn arounds that Barbara Stanwyck's character experiences. Never for one moment can you really see her Kathy Ferguson settling for a life in suburbia however that does makes an interesting point about the role of even ambitious women at this time which most often tied their futures in with marriage and families. Also Kathy's sudden transformation into a murderess even when she realises all her plans would certainly come to nothing is a bit hard to fathom when watching it. However the often unlikely proceedings make this story great viewing and it contains an interesting late career Barbara Stanwyck performance. This film effort did at least did provide this veteran actress with a role far better than many of the others she was forced to take around this time, like alot of other maturing actresses in order to remain working.

I always enjoy Barbara Stanwyck's work in any genre she tackles and film noir is idealy suited to her. Certainly "Crime of Passion", came along quite late in her starring career but I believe late Stanwyck is better than no Stanwyck at all. Watching her play a scheming minx is always enjoyable and when blackmail or murder are thrown in you are guaranteed a enjoyable viewing experience. Supported by an interesting and most able supporting cast the star here manages to make something worthwhile of both her character and the proceedings. For a good dose of intrigue and to see the original tough lady Barbara Stanwyck in one of her many anti-heroine roles you are sure to enjoy United Artists "Crime of Passion".

Rating:
Summary: crime of passion
Review: Good Noir. Good Stanwyck. Middle-aged love affair that goes wrong. What can happen to someone from San Francisco, if they move to LA. Well the valley that is. Stanwyck plays Kathy Ferguson, a reporter for a major newspaper who gets married, and has only one ambition, to make her husband move up in the ranks of the LA police Dept. And she will do anything to do it. You know there will be trouble. The acting is crisp and the pace is quick and watchable. I beleive Raymond Burr gets his only screen kiss that I know of. Fay Wray is terrific in a supportive role. Its great to see her and Stanwyck together.

Watch this with chips and CreamCheese and Olive dip.

Rating:
Summary: crime of passion
Review: Good Noir. Good Stanwyck. Middle-aged love affair that goes wrong. What can happen to someone from San Francisco, if they move to LA. Well the valley that is. Stanwyck plays Kathy Ferguson, a reporter for a major newspaper who gets married, and has only one ambition, to make her husband move up in the ranks of the LA police Dept. And she will do anything to do it. You know there will be trouble. The acting is crisp and the pace is quick and watchable. I beleive Raymond Burr gets his only screen kiss that I know of. Fay Wray is terrific in a supportive role. Its great to see her and Stanwyck together.

Watch this with chips and CreamCheese and Olive dip.

Rating:
Summary: "I hope all your socks have holes in them."
Review: In the film "Crime of Passion", tough, successful career woman Kathy Ferguson (Barbara Stanwyck) abandons her newspaper column and a prestigious new job to marry LA police detective Bill Doyle (Sterling Hayden). She imagines a life of domestic bliss, and soon she's living in suburbia--along with all the other detectives' wives. Doyle is happy plodding along in his career, but Kathy really can't stand the life she finds herself in. The Doyle's social life is composed of dreary evenings with Doyle's co-workers. The men play card games, and the women chatter on about inane subjects. While no unpleasant words exit from the mouths of the detectives' wives, it's quite clear that a strict social hierarchy exists. In particular, one wife, Sara Alidos, is all too happy to carry on at length about her intimate friendship with the Police Commissioner Pope (Raymond Burr) and his wife. Kathy really doesn't belong with these other wives. Try as she might, she just doesn't fit in, and her own lack of conformity drives Kathy to the brink of a breakdown.

But then Kathy has an idea. In Kathy's mind, her husband is superior to the other detectives, and she is cleverer than the rest of the wives. And so Kathy sets out to use her brain to promote her dullard of a husband through whatever means are necessary.

Barbara Stanwyck is excellent in the role of Kathy--a woman who gives up her career and lives to regret it. Kathy is hard and tough, but when she meets Bill, she gives into romance, and in her case, this is a big mistake. Bill Doyle is a good, hard-working man, but Kathy doesn't respect him. Raymond Burr as Pope is the man who sees past Kathy's persona and sees the conniving woman underneath.

"Crime of Passion" contains some extremely interesting comments especially about the roles of women in the 50s. Some of the scenes and comments in the beginning of the film were very revealing. However, I don't think the film went quite far enough with Kathy's character, and so, ultimately, the film was a little disappointing. But for film noir fans, this is a film worth watching--displacedhuman

Rating:
Summary: "I hope all your socks have holes in them."
Review: In the film "Crime of Passion", tough, successful career woman Kathy Ferguson (Barbara Stanwyck) abandons her newspaper column and a prestigious new job to marry LA police detective Bill Doyle (Sterling Hayden). She imagines a life of domestic bliss, and soon she's living in suburbia--along with all the other detectives' wives. Doyle is happy plodding along in his career, but Kathy really can't stand the life she finds herself in. The Doyle's social life is composed of dreary evenings with Doyle's co-workers. The men play card games, and the women chatter on about inane subjects. While no unpleasant words exit from the mouths of the detectives' wives, it's quite clear that a strict social hierarchy exists. In particular, one wife, Sara Alidos, is all too happy to carry on at length about her intimate friendship with the Police Commissioner Pope (Raymond Burr) and his wife. Kathy really doesn't belong with these other wives. Try as she might, she just doesn't fit in, and her own lack of conformity drives Kathy to the brink of a breakdown.

But then Kathy has an idea. In Kathy's mind, her husband is superior to the other detectives, and she is cleverer than the rest of the wives. And so Kathy sets out to use her brain to promote her dullard of a husband through whatever means are necessary.

Barbara Stanwyck is excellent in the role of Kathy--a woman who gives up her career and lives to regret it. Kathy is hard and tough, but when she meets Bill, she gives into romance, and in her case, this is a big mistake. Bill Doyle is a good, hard-working man, but Kathy doesn't respect him. Raymond Burr as Pope is the man who sees past Kathy's persona and sees the conniving woman underneath.

"Crime of Passion" contains some extremely interesting comments especially about the roles of women in the 50s. Some of the scenes and comments in the beginning of the film were very revealing. However, I don't think the film went quite far enough with Kathy's character, and so, ultimately, the film was a little disappointing. But for film noir fans, this is a film worth watching--displacedhuman

Rating:
Summary: WHAT SCHEMES MAY COME....
Review: Neat, tidy little B-picture about a woman who tries to push her husband up the ladder of success only to have it backfire on her. San Francisco newspaper writer Kathy Ferguson (Barbara Stanwyck) meets and quickly marries macho LA detective Bill Doyle (Sterling Hayden) and finds herself plopped down in the middle of suburbia. This is all well and good until she finds her role relegated to the living room with the brainless other wives while the "boys" play poker in the kitchen. Being from a newspaper, she's used to being one of the boys and not one of the "little women". She finally snaps after one too many of these evenings and starts scheming to move her husband up in the department so she can be proud of him and mingle intelligently with the upper crust where she feels they belong. Her plans go beautifully until she runs up against her biggest obstacle, Bill's boss police chief Raymond Burr. They become close and one night he shows up at Kathy's while Bill's away and confides that he needs to retire and is looking for a replacement. Kathy siezes the opportunity to sell Bill as the replacement and commits the ultimate sacrifice via a one-night-stand with Burr thinking she's cinched the "deal" for Bill. But Burr has other plans---leaving Kathy horrified and guilty over what she's done. Her next move will be murder. Stanwyck always excelled at portraying strong, driven, ambitious women and Kathy is no exception. But the film has an obvious feminist slant unusual for the time. The director and Stanwyck make it clear what motivates Kathy and why she she goes over the edge. She loves her husband enough to go all out for him but smart enough to know that she will benefit too. She's too strong a woman to just sit around and mindlessly gossip over dresses, diets and phony aspirations. Her aspirations are real because she knows what she wants for herself and her husband. And it doesn't include cream cheese and olives. For Stanwyck fans, this is an interesting addition to her gallery of headstrong women with an agenda. It's not a "great" film but it's good and worth watching.

Rating:
Summary: What do women want?
Review: Stanwyck is an amitious malcontent. She's married to Sterling Hayden a handsome, complacent L.A. cop who's content to do what he's been doing: clearing the streets of "gunsels." This lack of ambition drives Stanwyck to desperate measures. She tries to convince Raymond Burr, who will ultimately decide who gets the job, that her husband deserves it and that she's willing to do "anything" to see that he gets it. Burr allows her to give her all, than decides to give the job to Royal Dano. When Stanwyck asks him why, he answers that Hayden isn't up to it. But Dano is? The answer is yes and is final.

So, like a thwarted Lady McBeth, she ... well, I'll let you see for yourself. The performances are all topnotch, with special honors to Hayden, Dano and Burr. Thoroughly engrossing.

Rating:
Summary: Criminal Intent
Review: This movie might have single-handedly brought on woman's lib. When middle-aged San Francisco reporter Kathy Ferguson (Barbara Stanwyck) meets hunky middle-aged LA cop (Sterling Hayden), she chucks her career for love. This lands her in the San Fernando Valley in the dining room listening to the unbearably grating chatter of her husband's cop buddies wives. Naturally, this drives Kathy completely bonkers (If I heard the words "cream cheese and olive" one more time, I might have gone bonkers with her), and she becomes determined to get her husband to the top at any cost! Naturally, mayhem ensues.

This movie is only saved by the performance given by Barbara Stanwyck. She manages to make Kathy Ferguson a real person; she shows the real longing, desire (Barbara eyes Sterling Hayden like the prime slab 'o beef he is, and makes her intentions very clear), and smarts this woman has, and how frustration at being sidelined by society can bring out fierce competition in someone (today she'd be called manic-depressive). What's funniest about this movie is that it's so subversive. On the surface, we are supposed to be shocked, shocked I tell you, that Kathy does what she does in the name of her husband's career. On the other hand, life in the valley in the 50's is painted as so soul-destroyingly vapid, you wonder how she managed not to go on a killing spree. A really seldom seen gem that any fan of film noir should check out.