On H List of Movie Reviews

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House of Strangers (1949)

Rate: 7
Viewed: 12/15

HStrangers
12/15: If there's a prime candidate for the prelude to The Godfather, it's House of Strangers.

Richard Conte is Michael Corleone, Edward G. Robinson is Vito Corleone, and Luther Adler, Paul Valentine, and Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., are amalgams of Sonny, Fredo, and Tom Hagen.

What makes the film work is Joseph L. Mankiewicz's screenplay despite the heavy inundation of silly Italian traditions of family, love, and food. The last fifteen minutes neatly wraps up what it's all about. However, Max's love for Irene isn't believable. He has more chemistry with the other girl (Debra Paget) who's better-looking.

All in all, House of Strangers has its share of ups and downs, but it works out well in the end.