SUSPENSE (1946)

Like Boxing=Noir which blends the aggressive masculinity of pugilism with the dark shadowy narratives of Film Noir… Director Frank Tuttle’s superbly structured gem Suspense 1946 integrates the art of ice-skating featuring the unusual beauty and poise of Belita. Woven into the story of the love triangle amidst the almost carnivalesque milieu of figure skating, revenge, murder, a mysterious drifter Barry Sullivan as Joe Morgan who is hiding his dark past… Joe insinuates himself into the life of the married couple, skating/dancing sensation Roberta Leonard (Belita) and husband Frank Leonard (The always interesting Albert Dekker  Dr.Cyclops 1940, The Killers 1946)

Sullivan and Belita conjure a very believable chemistry… She is classy and conflicted, he is smooth and seriously dark and dangerous.

The skating scenes are sensational. Belita seems to move on ice and off with effortless grace, the way snow moves through the air with a natural current that finds its mark with a precise beauty of motion. Absolutely stunning to watch, and never detracts from the taut and well-framed noir landscape. Eugene Palette is marvelous as assistant to the boss, Harry Wheeler. His gravel voice and the gentle presence of his obvious girth make him an added pleasure to the coiling tension of the film! Editor Otho Lovering (Stagecoach 1939, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance 1962) weaves a seamless stream of suspense!

Frank Paul Sylos’ (Caught 1949, Suddenly 1954), art direction and George James Hopkins’ ( Casablanca 1942, A Streetcar Named Desire 1951) set design is surreal and haunting.

 

Barry Sullivan as Joe Morgan –“You’ve got plenty of nerve.. for a girl…”

Belita as Roberta Leonard– “You’ve got plenty of nerve… period!”

Suspensefully Yours… Your EverLovin’ MonsterGirl!!!!