E. V. Marshall (Tom Tryon), known to all as "Marsh," works for wealthy real-estate businessman Ralph Nevins (James Gregory), and is having a romantic affair with Ralph's unhappy wife, Pauline 'Paulie' Nevins (Carol Ohmart). He asks her to get a divorce, but Paulie grew up impoverished and refuses to do without her husband's money.
One night they overhear thieves planning a jewelry robbery of the home of Dr. Sam Lynbury (David Lewis). They do not go to the police, concerned that Ralph might learn they were together. When she returns home later, however, Paulie is physically assaulted by her angry husband.
Suspicious of her behavior, Ralph tells his secretary Kathy Stevens (Jody Lawrance) that he's planning to take his wife on a vacation and permit Marsh to run the company in his absence. Ralph then follows Paulie when she sees Marsh. Now willing to do anything to get away from her husband, Paulie pleads with Marsh to rob the jewels from the thieves as they leave Dr. Lynbury's house.
At the scene of the crime, where Marsh successfully steals the gems from the thieves who have robbed Dr. Lynbury's home, Ralph catches Marsh and Paulie in the act and Paulie shoots him. Gunfire from the thieves makes Marsh believe they were the ones who shot Ralph.
As the police investigate, Kathy discovers that Ralph has secretly made a recording, explaining his suspicions about his wife. Kathy is in love with Marsh, who decides to go to the police and confess. It turns out, meanwhile, that Dr. Lynbury has masterminded the burglary of his own home, looking to collect insurance money after having replaced his wife's jewels with worthless fakes. Police eventually place Lynbury under arrest and Paulie as well, with Marsh's cooperation.
A 1956 American Black & White film-noir crime film (a/k/a "Too Late My love" and "Kiss-Off") produced & directed by Michael Curtiz, screenplay by Alford Van Ronkel, Frank Tashlin and John Meredyth Lucas, based on the story "The Kiss Off" by Frank Tashlin, cinematography by Lionel Lindon, starring Carol Ohmart, Tom Tryon, Jody Lawrance, James Gregory, Elaine Stritch, E. G. Marshall, Edward Binns, David Lewis, Billy Gray, Jacques Aubuchon, Scott Marlowe, Johnstone White, James Stone, Maureen Hurley, James Todd, Benson Fong, and Nat "King" Cole. Released by Paramount Pictures.
Lauren Bacall was initially cast as Pauline Nevins, but later left the production. Barbara Stanwyck was then cast, before leaving to do another film. The studio then tested Carol Ohmart and Carroll Baker, to focus on building up their recently-signed newcomers. Jack Palance was considered for the role of Marsh, before Tom Tryon was chosen. The role of Kathy Stevens went to Elizabeth Montgomery, but her father's demands with the studio got her dismissed from the production. Michael Curtiz then saw Jody Lawrance on an episode of "Fireside Theater", later known as "Jane Wyman Presents the Fireside Theatre" (NBC TV 1949-1958), and offered her the role. James Gregory and Elaine Stritch, having left the successful Broadway productions Desperate Hours and Bus Stop, were cast as Ralph and Phyllis. Initially, Wendell Corey and James Todd were considered for the role of Ralph.
Carol Ohmart was one of a bevy of sexy blondes shuffled about in 50s films, thrust into the limelight by ambitious movie studios as possible contenders to Marilyn Monroe's uncooperative pedestal. Almost none of these ladies managed to even step up to the plate when it came to the powerful allure of "La Monroe" and starlet Carol Ohmart managed to be no different.
Armelia Carol Ohmart was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 3, 1927, the daughter of a dentist father (Thomas Carlyle Ohmart, a one-time actor) and an abusive Mormon mother (Armelia Merl Ohmart). Raised in Seattle and a baby contest winner as an infant, she was on stage from age 3 in a vaudeville act with her uncle. She then lived all over the place with her mother after her divorce from her father, attending high school at Lewis & Clark High in Spokane. A radio singer back in Salt Lake City, Carol won the "Miss Utah" title (then a brunette) at age 19, coming up fourth runner-up when she segued into the 1946 "Miss America" contest (came in 5th). The attention she received led to a modeling, commercial and magazine cover career.
The wardrobe was designed by Edith Head, who remarked that Carol Ohmart "looked and moved like a cat".
Curtiz had previously directed such noted films as "Casablanca" (1942), "Yankee Doodle Dandy" (1942), and "White Christmas" (1954).
The song "Never Let Me Go", written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, is performed by Nat King Cole.
This study of marital discord leading to murder travels a well-worn film noir path, but slick direction from Michael Curtiz, spirited performances from a fascinating cast, and a jaw-dropping transfer freshen up this taut tale of infidelity, greed, and murder. This delivers solid entertainment and makes a great addition to any noir collection.
Негізгі бет Фильм және анимация Carol Ohmart in Michael Curtiz' "The Scarlet Hour" (1956) - feat. E. G. Marshall & Nat "King" Cole
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