On G List of Movie Reviews

(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)

---

The Glass Key (1942)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 11/15

11/15: The Glass Key is a good, tough, and gritty film noir.

It's Alan Ladd's presence that makes the difference, and he was good-looking back then. Also, it helps that Dashiell Hammett wrote the story which lends credibility to the quality of dialogue because it sounds terrific just like The Maltese Falcon.

The story is labyrinthic to follow, making it hard for me to know what comes next. There are a lot of noir elements that set up The Glass Key as a treat to watch: tough characters, seedy behaviors, mysterious circumstances, underworld dealings, dark environs, shaky loyalties, fatal decisions, and violent confrontations with plenty of action.

All in all, The Glass Key is a difficult film to follow, but it turns out well in the long run.

---