Discuss Decoy
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Obscure but good "B" film noir
posted by MoondoggieSTAFFMOD on February 13, 2023 at 5:57 AM
Fine cast and solid writing, cinematography and direction make this worth watching. Jean Gillie makes for a great femme fatale--as manipulative and cold-blooded as they come. Some of the plot elements are a bit weird and incredible, but it's a solid little noir gem and it held my interest throughout.
Sheldon Leonard, who played a some tough cops and even tougher criminals in 1940s films, and who went on to become one of the most successful TV producers in the '50s and '60s, gives a wonderful performance as the jaded police detective. All in all, this is a good way to spend 80 minutes.
Reply by Steve
on February 14, 2023 at 7:06 PM
at one point, before nearly all movies being available at any time, this film was considered lost. TCM's Eddie Muller has a story about flying to Europe to track down a print of the film. Of course, now it's on DVD. Sheldon Leonard --- a living embodiment of a Damon Runyon character -- is always a welcome presence in films and TV.
Reply by Moondoggie
on February 18, 2023 at 12:22 AM
Thanks for the note about Muller. And yes, Sheldon Leonard is always a fine addition to any film. Producing's gain was acting's loss.
Reply by Zürich Gnome
on February 18, 2023 at 12:30 AM
Yeah, I caught this on TCM a while ago. It's a great film that most people probably don't even know about. Gillie and Leonard were both superb, and that final scene w/them together was perfect.