On T List of Movie Reviews
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Tension (1949)
Rate:
7
Viewed:
1/09
1/09:
Tension gives me a bag of mixed feelings, but it's a nice film noir picture.
The acting isn't bad, but there's a good deal of implausibility when it comes to the relationship between Warren
Quimby and his wife given their disassociation which is mostly felt by the latter. So, why does the husband need to bother
with her unless it's pure lust?
After Warren changes his identity and moves to a new apartment for weekend use, his life seems drastically improved
by meeting a much better lady. Yet the wife kills him, and for what? That's the problem with Tension. It doesn't make
sense. Then, the husband unwittingly goes along with her after finding out about it and eludes the police right to the end.
Audrey Totter overplays the femme fatale part because: (1) She doesn't look desirable enough due to her puny-sized breasts;
(2) She's no Marilyn Monroe; and (3) Her character is tired and dated...Scarlett O'Hara, anyone? I'm not surprised that her career
tanked afterwards. Had somebody else, say Claire Trevor, been cast, it might have been more believable.
On the other hand, I find the detective's actions unethical and immoral. There should've been charges filed against him for acting
irresponsibly on the job, resulting in loss of his badge. At the same time, his introduction along with the rubber band thing
is over-the-top silly.
All in all, Tension has logic problems yet makes for a worthwhile viewing.