August 2, 2015

THEY WON'T BELIEVE ME (1947)



This RKO Radio Pictures' release is too long but the first-rate cast helps the moviegoer survive the ninety-five minutes. Most audiences today may find the movie hard to believe as well. The film was directed by the notable, Irving Pichel, with John Latimer doing the rickety screenplay. Long-time Alfred Hitchcock associate, Joan Harrison, produced the film. The British writer would later produce the television series, "Alfred Hitchcock Presents."

Robert Young is good as a spineless, philandering scoundrel, equally tender and pathetic. Young’s wife is not as attractive as the other female costars. He realizes this rather quickly. He and Jane Greer have plans but Young cannot leave his wife’s money. They go their separate ways. Enter Susan Hayward, his second fling, who has a manipulative mind of her own. After sending his wife divorce papers, Young plans to run away with Hayward, but their late-night automobile accident kills her beyond identification. Apparently, they could not find her teeth. Everyone assumes the auto victim was his wife and Young has the bright idea to play along. This could actually work out. He could kill his wife and no one will know the difference. But unknown to Young, during the same period, his wife falls to her death at her favorite spot near their vacation ranch. After discovering his wife’s body, he stupidly dumps her in the nearby pond. No one will ever find her floating on the surface. Just believe me, the ending may elicit more than a few groans.




The movie is told through flashbacks as Young testifies under oath he did not kill his wife. True. But his story seems so convoluted and unbelievable, even he finds it all hard to believe and is convinced the jury will convict him. As the verdict starts to be read there is a close-up of a screaming courtroom witness. The camera fixes on Young who is about to roll (not jump) out the window to certain death. The courtroom police officer pulls his gun and kills him. Nobody is going to commit suicide on his watch! With no brief shot of Young dashing out of his chair, immediately followed by the screaming lady, it is unfortunate editing. Suspended disbelief on full display. By then, every moviegoer knows the ironic verdict.

Note: Many give this film high marks. It would rate higher with me if it were not for the aforementioned implausibilities and its length. A well-acted drama nonetheless and worth a viewing. Or a laugh. This film did not work in its era, either. It was a box office disappointment and I believe Robert Young was not that surprised, considering his one-time-only nasty role.

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