Stranger on the Third Floor (1940)
November 25, 2024 8:14 AM - Subscribe
When upstart journalist Michael Ward (John McGuire) testifies that he saw Joe Briggs (Elisha Cook Jr.) at the scene of a murder, Briggs is jailed and sentenced to death. Later, Michael's conscience and troubling dreams get the better of him. He tells his girlfriend, Jane (Margaret Tallichet), that he isn't certain Briggs is guilty. They begin to investigate, but unfortunately, the couple soon makes the acquaintance of an ominous, enigmatic man (Peter Lorre) who wants the case to stay closed.
Directed by Boris Ingster. Screenplay by Frank Partos, Nathanael West (uncredited). Story by Frank Partos. Produced by Lee S. Marcus for RKO Radio Pictures. Cinematography by Nicholas Musuraca. Edited by Harry Marker. Music by Roy Webb.
Although earlier films contained elements of what would come to be called "film noir," Stranger on the Third Floor is often considered the first "true" film of the genre's classic period. This is, in no small part due to the cinematography of Nicholas Musuraca, an RKO director of photography who also worked on four of Val Lewton's heralded RKO horror features. The dream sequence (ropy clip that one, sorry) is particularly famous.
86% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Currently available for digital rental in the US. Also uploaded in full to the Internet Archive.
Directed by Boris Ingster. Screenplay by Frank Partos, Nathanael West (uncredited). Story by Frank Partos. Produced by Lee S. Marcus for RKO Radio Pictures. Cinematography by Nicholas Musuraca. Edited by Harry Marker. Music by Roy Webb.
Although earlier films contained elements of what would come to be called "film noir," Stranger on the Third Floor is often considered the first "true" film of the genre's classic period. This is, in no small part due to the cinematography of Nicholas Musuraca, an RKO director of photography who also worked on four of Val Lewton's heralded RKO horror features. The dream sequence (ropy clip that one, sorry) is particularly famous.
86% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Currently available for digital rental in the US. Also uploaded in full to the Internet Archive.
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But can I also admit that I really enjoy how RKO features from this era nearly all wrap up in 65-75 minutes?
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:16 AM on November 25