SO DARK THE NIGHT: WONDERFUL WHODUNIT

Arrow Academy is releasing two films by director Joseph H. Lewis with MY NAME IS JULIA ROSS and this film, SO DARK THE NIGHT. Both are classics of the noir genre and both tell an original story in an interesting and entertaining way. But of the two this one twists things more than the other.

French detective Henri Cassin (Steven Geray) is taking a long overdue vacation from the police force. Escaping the confines of the city he heads to a small country location where he stays in an inn run by Pierre Michaud (Eugene Borden) and his wife Mama (Ann Codee). Once he arrives he meets their daughter Nannette (Micheline Cheirel) and is immediately smitten by her.

For Mama this is a good thing as she wants her daughter to find someone who will take her away from this small village life. Cassin has all the markings of a perfect beau for Nannette even if he is much older than her. The only problem is that Nannette is already unofficially betrothed to Leon (Paul Marion). In spite of Leon things move forward and the two become engaged.

But the night of the engagement party Nannette goes missing. Her body is soon discovered and Cassin is determined to find her killer. The most obvious suspect is Leon but when he turns up murdered as well the discovery of the killer becomes more complicated. Then Mama receives a note telling her she is next and she is found strangled.

Unable to find out who the killer is Cassin returns to Paris, pondering what it was that he missed that would have provided him with the clues he needed to solve these murders. Feeling that he is past his prime and unable to fulfill the duties of being a police detective he decides to quit the force. It is only then that he realizes who the killer was.

The movie is a gem with subtle performances played out by actors who were often used in bit and side character parts but rarely in lead roles. Geray is a joy to watch and the rest of the cast matches him in ability. But it is the story that makes this movie worth watching.

Any good mystery provides enough clues that the viewer can help determine the villain while those attempting to solve the puzzle onscreen do so. This one is no different with small clues placed throughout that will have you guessing. But my guess is you won’t be able to figure it out until near the end of the film.

As with MY NAME IS JULIA ROSS director Lewis shows once more his distinct ability to tell a story effectively was amazing and overlooked by those in charge at the studios. One can only imagine what he would have achieved if they had had more faith in him.

Arrow Academy is releasing the film in their usual fashion with a glorious looking hi-def presentation on blu-ray. They’re also including a number of extras as well including an audio commentary track by critics Glenn Kenny and Farran Smith Nehme, “So Dark…Joseph Lewis At Columbia” with critic Imogen Sara Smith providing background and analysis of the film, the theatrical trailer, a reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned artwork by Tonci Zonjic and for the first pressing only an illustrated collector’s booklet with new writings on the film by critic David Cairns.

I was surprised by this film and delighted as well. My guess is that most film lovers will feel the same. My advice is to make a point of adding this gem to your collection."

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