Thursday, June 17, 2021

Shoot to Kill (1947)

An enjoyably tough crime drama with Noir touches. When a police chase ends in the felon's car crashing the police find to their surprise the occupants of the car was wanted gangster Dixie Logan (Robert Kent), DA Laurence Dale (Edmund MacDonald) and his wife Marian (Luana Walters) - the only survivor. In hospital Marian recounts to reporter Mitch (Russell Wade) exactly what happened, which we see in flashbacks.

DA Laurence Dale was corrupt, and had framed Logan for a serious crime. Marian knows that Laurence is in cahoots with the mob and worms her way into firstly the DA's employment and then his affections, with the help of Mitch. Marian is playing a dangerous game though and wants Laurence to bring down the mob, this puts her directly in the firing line. Why exactly is she risking so much?

A rather complicated plot full of double crosses though the rapid pace of the film means you seldom have enough time to get too confused. The Noirish edges and the strong female character help make the film a decent watch.