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Impact (1949)
Rating: 5 1/2
Arthur Lubin
Main Players: Brian Donlevy, Ella Raines, Helen Walker, Charles Coburn
Story: A wife and her lover plots to kill her husband; but things turn out differently.
Comment: I've always liked a good story with many twists and turns. This movie allows the viewer really root for the 'hero', a hardworking and a faithful man who just had the unfortunate luck to be married to a conniving and pitiful woman. Not only does he not know it, but when he actually finds this out for certain, he is, as all good heroes are, too shocked to believe it and wonders into a daze for three months. And who is there at just the right time to nurse his broken heart but a young widow with a heart of gold and her most charming mother; living in a town probably with the sign over the town hall reading: "Friendliest Town in America".
To modern viewers, this story would seem rather improbable. But it works. Sure, overacting is common throughout the movie and the music prompts you at the right times to feel in a certain way. However, the story leaves you feeling good. We all would like to believe that when things get you down, life would weave a wonderful net for you to fall in and things would finally start to go your way - it is, if you like, the show for the optimists among us.
So, if you feel like watching a pleasant black & white movie for about 2 hours, this is a good bet. Do pay close attention during the scenes nearing the end when the pieces are put together. You'd appreciate the courtroom scene more.
Review: A nice and pleasant movie. Just keep reminding yourself that it was made in 1949.
Credits - 18KB without graphics
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