George Marshall (5) (1891–1975)

"Every guy's seen you before, somewhere." -- Johnny to Joyce

The Blue Dahlia is one the finest noir films made during the 1940's as everything is absolutely perfect in the third of four films Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake would make together. Raymond Chandler wrote the original screenplay and George Marshall turned in his finest directing job in this screen classic. This film has the perfect blend of grit and gloss, romance and female treachery, and while the outlook of its anti-hero isn't quite as jaded as it would have been had Howard Hawks or Billy Wilder filmed this, it still packs a punch.

Lt. Morrison (Ladd) returns from WWII with his two buddies, only to find his wife Helen (Doris Dowling) has been unfaithful; in your face unfaithful, and responsible for his son's death while he was away. He confronts her at a party and blows out in a storm, unaware that someone kills her with his own gun only hours later. Joyce Harwood (Lake) meets him for the first time when she offers him a ride in the rain and an attraction between the two begins.

This film is everything others of its kind during the 1940's tried to be, but often failed to be; either in execution or atmosphere. The noir elements of the story are blended expertly with romantic touches sprinkled throughout, creating a masterpiece of the genre. The scene where Johnny and Joyce cross paths a second time in a restaurant overlooking the sea is a particular standout, the romantic view brought back into dark focus when he overhears a bulletin on the radio alerting him that he is being sought by the police for the murder of his wife.

Like Johnny, Joyce is also running from something, and trying to help him takes her right back to The Blue Dahlia nightclub. Johnny's loyal war buddies are on hand to help him, but the shell-shocked Buss (William Bendix) can't quite remember what he did the night Johnny's wife was murdered. The list of suspects begins to grow, and includes a slimy hotel detective and the guy Joyce is all tangled up with; he just happens to be, of course, the owner of The Blue Dahlia. Lake's Joyce is softer than some noir heroines but still holds back information, so she’s just a shade less than being on the up and up.

This may be the most entertaining 100 minutes you'll ever spend watching a film in this genre, and it’s almost certain to become a favorite by the time the end credits roll. Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake were one of the great screen couples, and one of the most popular during the 1940's. Johnny alludes to Joyce being the girl we all dream about near the end of the film when he keeps her from driving away. Ladd and Lake were a dream come true for Paramount, and for moviegoers. A fabulous film not to be missed.… (plus d'informations)