THE WEB. Common Worldwide, 1947. Ella Raines, Edmond O’Brien, William Bendix, Vincent Value, Maria Palmer. Directed by Michael Gordon.
A light-mannered thriller film which with a bit of stronger punch is perhaps remembered by extra of us followers of outdated black and white movies than I feel is the case. To wit: Edmond O’Brien’s brashness as a small hick legal professional garners him a job as a bodyguard for a wealthy man (Vincent Value) who tells him {that a} former enterprise affiliate, simply launched from jail, has been making threats towards him.
Additionally within the story, because it performs out, is Ella Raines, who performs the wealthy man’s (very) private secretary, and whom Edmond O’Brien’s character takes a robust liking to. She’s the glossy form of younger woman who holds secrets and techniques properly, and whom we the viewer are by no means fairly positive precisely how near her boss (the wealthy man) she is.
The issue is is that Edmond O’Brien is as at all times an excellent actor, however let’s face it, he simply isn’t in Ella Raines’ league. Vincent Value is, after all, as smarmy and unctuous participant as he at all times is, and when his newly discovered bodyguard kills the previous enterprise affiliate (see paragraph one), we all know there’s one thing occurring that our hero is sluggish in catching up with.
Enter William Bendix because the powerful man detective dealing with the case. Though there’s a earlier connection between them, he handles Mr. O’Brien so much more durable than the circumstances appear to warrant. It’s a puzzle, however not a overly difficult one.
All of it makes for a superb film, however within the thoughts of nobody, I think about, is The Net greater than a mere leisure, as soon as seen and shortly forgotten. Watch this one for Ella Raines’ elegant grace, aloof and but most charming.
