There are a number of famous actors that many still
remember, among them James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable. But there
were a number of great actors in the past that time has forgotten, even though
they appeared in some classic films. One of those was Dan Duryea. Normally cast
in supporting roles Duryea made several films with the lead and appeared on
numerous TV series. But he never quite got the acclaim he deserved.
Arrow Video is releasing the film BLACK ANGEL as part of its
Arrow Academy series. The film tells the story of Kirk Bennett (John Phillips),
a married man having an affair with beautiful singer Mavis Marlowe (Constance
Dowling). When he discovers her dead in her apartment, he runs but is later found
and convicted of her murder. His wife Catherine (June Vincent) is convinced he
is innocent and with the help of Mavis’ ex-husband, an alcoholic composer named
Martin Blair (Duryea) they follow the clues to discover the real murderer.
There are plenty of suspects including shady nightclub owner
Marko (Peter Lorre). Mavis worked for him and he was seen entering her
apartment building the night she was murdered. Blair himself is a suspect but
due to his drinking problems has blackouts far too often to remember what
happened. And then there is Bennett. Did he actually kill Mavis and all of the
efforts of his wife are in vain?
Throw in a missing piece of jewelry and some undercover work
by Catherine and Blair and you have a solid mystery that will keep you guessing
until the very end. It also becomes apparent that Mavis wasn’t the solid
upstanding citizen you might think she was. All of that comes into play before
the credits roll.
Duryea gives a great performance here as a man broken
hearted at the loss of the love of his life. So much so that it’s driven him to
drink and plenty of it. But when the thought of someone killing her takes over
it clears his mind enough to stop drinking and to seek vengeance on the man who
did it. Vincent also does a fantastic job as the long suffering wife who is
trying to save her husband’s life in spite of the fact he was having an affair.
Lorre is at his usual slimy best as the bad guy who might be the man behind it
all.
Arrow is doing their usual bang up job starting with a new
restoration from original film elements. Extras include a new audio commentary
track by writer and film scholar Alan K. Rode, “A Fitting Ending” a new video
appreciation of the film by film historian Neil Sinyard, the original trailer,
a gallery of stills and promotional material, a reversible sleeve with two
artwork options and for the first pressing only an illustrated collector’s
booklet featuring new writing on the film by author Philp Kemp.
As always it’s nice to see a company like Arrow handling a
title like this. The film could have been lost to history but now is available
in the most pristine way possible and given a loving treatment by the company.
It’s just another reason to hail the company as one of the best around when it
comes to their releases. This one is no exception.
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