Tonight's Movie: The Glass Web (1953) - A Kino Lorber Blu-ray Review
The Kino Lorber Studio Classics line has brought out some very interesting 3D restorations over the last couple of years, including the previously reviewed THE DIAMOND WIZARD (1954) and BWANA DEVIL (1952).
The latest 3D release from Kino Lorber is THE GLASS WEB (1953), a twisty and fast-paced murder mystery from Universal Pictures.
The setting for this murder mystery is a TV studio, where MAD MEN-esque production and advertising types are worried about their CRIME OF THE WEEK series being renewed.
Was it Paula's ex-husband (John Verros), who's just out of jail? The CRIME OF THE WEEK technical adviser (Edward G. Robinson) Paula has been stringing along for money and introductions? Or the TV writer (John Forsythe) Paula is blackmailing over their affair, who's desperate to keep his wife (Marcia Henderson) from finding out?
This was quite a fun little movie, written by Robert Blees and Leonard Lee from a novel by Max Simon Ehrlich. I loved the engrossing plot and fast 81-minute pace, the TV production setting, and the deep cast, which includes Jack Kelly (MAVERICK), Beverly Garland, and Kathleen Freeman in small roles. Other familiar faces such as Jean Willes, Eve McVeagh, and Brett Halsey round out the cast.
The clever climax had a bit of a COLUMBO feel to it; fans of that series will probably like this one.
The movie was directed by Jack Arnold and filmed in black and white by Maury Gertsman.
This is a Kino Lorber Studio Classics Special Edition presented in a cardboard slipcase, with reversible cover art. The disc has a commentary track by Jason A. Ney, along with 3D experts Mike Ballew and Greg Kintz, plus a trailer and TV spot in 2D.
There have been quite a number of worthwhile Edward G. Robinson films to catch up with thanks to Kino Lorber, including VICE SQUAD (1953), BLACK TUESDAY (1954), and NIGHTMARE (1956). I'm appreciative of Kino Lorber having supplied all of them.
Thanks to Kino Lorber for providing a review copy of this Blu-ray.
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posted by Laura @ 10:15 PM
3 Comments:
Aw man, you gotta watch it in 3-D, it’s absolutely spectacular! You’re missing so much watching it in 2-D.
My perspective is radically different than the above. I did not like the picture and thought all of the performances were flawed as were the characters portrayed except for Richard Denning; More attractive, more dominant, without being front and center and apparently Jack Arnold thought along similar lines. Oh, Kathleen Hughes was at least attractive; she and Richard might have made a decent team.
Anonymous, glad to hear you enjoyed the 3D so much.
Barry, was interested in your take on the movie. We very often agree on films, but this is one of those rare times we parted ways. I did think Denning was perfect in his role. :)
Best wishes,
Laura
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