The Chase

Peter Lorre was a peculiar guy - weird, but endearing in an underdog sort of way. The same goes for this noir tale which I liked in spite of several shortcomings.

This is an odd little film, although I can't say too much without giving away crucial plot points. It has a dreamlike quality to it, for very good reasons. There's some great lighting and dialogue, and some exciting little touches. Cummings, who failed to impress me in either Saboteur or The Accused, seems to fit this role better. Michèle Morgan has a mysterious, tormented presence. Cochran doesn't do much for me as the lead antagonist but what a treat to have Lorre as his sarcastic henchman.

Michèle Morgan as Lorna Roman is a 'plain Jane' not suited to playing a femme fatale - in other words she lacks the screen presence necessary for a leading lady in a noir film. But such is the deranged nature of Steve Cochran's portrayal of Eddie Roman - "Howdya feel? I mean, ah, how does it feel being a barber, cutting men's hair? Feels good, huh?" - that I could not help but be intermittently engrossed by this tale of a too-honest everyday man (Robert Cummings as Chuck Scott).

There's a certain romanticism about The Chase (1946), but something was off about the presentation for the characters and chase story to really shine. Does have some appeal in sort of dreamy way, and since it's a indie/United Artists production is has a more unusual combination of actors which you wouldn't usually see working together. But compared to many of the other noirs that came out that year, The Chase is not one to chase after unless you have a specific reason to.

This has a twist I never saw coming. I think that the film would've been better without the twist, oh well.

"Silly law-abiding jerk"...lol Cochran and Lorre make for quite a tag team here, and Cummings is nicely in over his head, with Michele Morgan suitably haunted. The direction and editing are strong too. Unfortunately though, the script sorta left me behind in the middle (or is that muddle?)...with that extended flashback (or was it?). The book was a whole lot easier to follow.

Oneiric, weird, and wild. Cochran and Lorre are so great.

watched: 2014, 2021

B movie production values, but the talent behind the camera makes for interesting contrasts between the harshness of the visuals and the somewhat dreamy atmosphere, furthered by some strange turns in the plot. There's something not quite right from the very first scene, but for the first hour it fits together well enough that those lingering thoughts are pushed aside, until a turn of events turns everything upside down. Great visuals and strong performances make up for lingering plot issues.

Could have been great with a more talented director.