Blonde Ice (1948)

Blonde Ice (1948). 1h 13m | Approved

“u0026quot;Blonde Iceu0026quot; (which I just viewed in a nice DVD version with the restoreru0026#39;s commentary, and some nifty extras) is not a classic, nor even a particularly good movie by most standards: it is strictly poverty row rather than Scarlet Street, BUT… I found it easy to watch, and (at times) quite good. The male lead (although obviously a dashing actor on his way down the ladder) brings off his part with some real style, especially in a scene in which he eschews the usual macho man poise expected and almost breaks down in bewilderment over the Womanu0026#39;s actions and seeming imperturbability. And there are a few satisfying (if never quite resplendent) turns by a handful of character actors well-versed in what is expected of them. Although – as commented upon already – there is not quite enough u0026quot;shadow and darknessu0026quot; to make it a solid noir presentation, there are – in fact – some rather well-drawn night scenes, and the requisite u0026quot;venetian blind shadows aslantu0026quot; scattered here and there. And there is a (limp) stab at analysis of Claireu0026#39;s u0026quot;problemu0026quot; by a weakly-sketched German shrink, who also concocts a rather vapid (and seemingly pointless) plan to upend her schemes. The ending is perhaps a bit perfunctory, although the very last line is snappy.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe main positives however are the terribly efficient story-telling (often a lost art in B-movies: hell, in ALL movies!) and some truly terrific compositions. These two elements make it worth at least a single viewing, especially if you can see it on the DVD with the commentary, which also delves into the important work of the film restorer. Seen in such a fashion, the movie is rewarding enough, considering its brevity and quick pace.”