Night Editor (1946)
One of the best “B” films
noir, it’s quite a tawdry story shoe-horned into a 68 minute running time.
A night editor on a police beat tells the story of a married detective who has an affair with a society dame who is also married. While necking near the beach they witness a murder. Though they both recognize the murderer, they decide at first not to finger the criminal for fear of exposing their own affair. Later the detective changes his mind, but his erstwhile cold blooded paramour refuses.
The detective played by reliable “B” picture star
William Gargan turns out to have a conscience, but his lover played by the gorgeous
Janis Carter turns out to be one of the most memorable
femme fatales in noir history—a danger seeking sadomasochist who gets aroused combining physical harm with sex. This role definitely slipped by the 1946 censors! All movies done in the mid 20th Century were regulated by the Hays Code to be in effect G-rated. But parents must have had some fast talking to do if they took the kids to this one.
Outside of the two principals, there were nice roles for the sweetheart
Jeff Donnell (
In a Lonely Place,
Sweet Smell of Success) as Garagan’s wife, and the venerable
Harry Shannon (
High Noon,
Executive Suite) as the story teller. Director
Henry Levin had a long career to 1980 as a director of mostly light comedies.
In true “B” style because of low funding it tickled me to notice that the detective’s car was an early 1930s model which seemed out of place. Then it dawned on me that most of the picture was a flash back to 1932 from the year 1946, but they hadn’t bothered to make the sets, cars or clothing conform to 1932! They simply didn’t have the budget.
This picture is a must-see for all
noir fans!