The Scar

Genre: Film Noir 1940's Stars: 4.5 Pros: -Great leading cast -The Photography -The mood was Dark and Gritty (even in the day-time) - I loved the ending Cons: -The Scar premise...could have made it a little more believable (you may know what I mean when you see it) I love the feel of this movie. I think that this movie is consistently engaging and has just enough tension to keep you one your toes (you don't sit there waiting for something to happen). I love the ending too. I think the irony is something that has been done before and since, but it was done so well I didn't see it coming. Watch it, it is worth it.

An unusual movie, I enjoyed it very, very much. Joan Bennett is wonderful. If you like film noir, you will like this one.

Originally released as Hollow Triumph (1948) Paul Henreid produced this truly dark, brooding (if yes some what preposterous premise…) film noir needing a change of pace from his romantic image. After I allowed myself to get passed the scar being put on the wrong cheek (cmon, man, this guy is way too smart to let that happen…) I easily went along with the story ride helped along by the cinematography (amazing as usual) by John Alton, arguably the best there was in the 1940s and into the 1950s (see The Big Combo). Joan Bennett is good as the love interest who realizes the identity change (more than most that’s for sure) and tries to ignore murder. Steve Sekely is a more than competent director but Alton steals the show with his camera work. Look for an early in his career role for Jack Webb (Dragnet). He plays a hit man on the job. This is a great remaster by Kino Lorber (The Chase restored very well, too, by Kino). This blows away the picture of my VCI double feature of The Scar/The Limping Man. 4.3 stars for The Scar … it marked them both!!

Thick, Tragic characters. One is left both hating the lead man and at the same time feeling pity for him. You want him to get caught and you want him to get away. I hated him for being so evil and loved him for being so existentially human- trying to 'figure out' the balance between one's compulsions, passions and purpose. Some of the conventions are predictable, over used - like the use of shadows, irony, gambling debts, mobsters and acceptance of a scar as being sufficient to murk one's identity.. However, I did not expect the ending and the scene with the motherly wash lady at the end left me wondering 'what does that mean?'. I am very pleased with this movie.

good movie

You will find great acting with a credible plot. The movie portrays a flaw in human behavior that may lead to reflection.

Good movie,

Vintage crime movie with a very good ending.