SLIGHTLY SCARLET
Underrated Technicolor noir features both the great widescreen cinematography of John Alton and a scene-stealing performance from 'crazy' Arlene Dahl!
3-1/2 stars (out of 5)
[(1956)USA/RKO] - (1 hr. 34 min.) - IMDb rating: 6.7 (out of 10)
Directed by Allan Dwan
Writer: Robert Blees
Source: James M. Cain's novel "Love's Lovely Counterfeit"
Characters/Cast
Ben Grace - John Payne
June Lyons (Jansen's Secretary/Fiance?) - Rhonda Fleming
Dorothy or 'Dor' (June's younger sister/likes Ben) - Arlene Dahl (**see above)
Solly Caspar (syndicate boss) - Ted de Corsia
Frank Jansen, Mayoral Candidate, then Mayor of Bay City - Kent Taylor
Dave Dietz (Det. Lt., then Chief of Police) - Frank Gerstle
Review:
Legendary actress Arlene Dahl was not only wonderful on the big screen in SLIGHTLY SCARLET, but she stopped by after the film to regale the audience with several Hollywood tales about this film (in which she not only starred, but supplied costumes) and others.
It's in TECHNICOLOR, but still worth a watch for NOIR fans, especially on the big screen featuring t.
[incomplete review, need a re-watch/work-in-progress]
[Screened in 35mm Technicolor (original print) @ the Film Forum in NYC, 7:30om showing followed by a discussion with co-star Arlene Dahl]
Supporting cast:
Gauss (the accountant) - Lance Fuller
Lenhardt ('Lenny'/Big Goon) - Buddy Baer
Martha (June's maid) - Ellen Corby
Gen. Norman B. Marlowe, Publisher of Bay City Journal - Roy Gordon
Wilson (Caspar Thug) - Myron Healey
Roos (Caspar Thug) - George E. Stone
Bartender - Frank Jenks
Cinematographer: John Alton Producer: Benedict Bogeaus
Original Music by Louis Forbes
Editor: James Leicester
Art Director: Van Nest Polglase
Set Decorator: Alfred Spencer
Costume Designers: Arlene Dahl (**lingerie, from her clothing line) & Norma Koch
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From the Film Forum:
SLIGHTLY SCARLET (1956, ALLAN DWAN) “With Brains, Bullets and Women, He Fought His Way to the Bottom!” Underrated under-player John Payne’s good/bad operator strives for wiggle room between political boss and reform candidate, while contending with Titian-hued sister act Rhonda Fleming and Arlene Dahl. From James M. Cain’s Love’s Lovely Counterfeit. (approximately 94 minutes)
3:30, 7:30*<--Arlene Dahl will appear in person following the 7:30 show.
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