Carol Ohmart in Michael Curtiz' "The Scarlet Hour" (1956) - feat. E. G. Marshall & Nat "King" Cole
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- Опубліковано 26 вер 2024
- E. V. Marshall (Tom Tryon), known to all as "Marsh," works for wealthy real-estate businessman Ralph Nevins (James Gregory), and is having a romantic affair with Ralph's unhappy wife, Pauline 'Paulie' Nevins (Carol Ohmart). He asks her to get a divorce, but Paulie grew up impoverished and refuses to do without her husband's money.
One night they overhear thieves planning a jewelry robbery of the home of Dr. Sam Lynbury (David Lewis). They do not go to the police, concerned that Ralph might learn they were together. When she returns home later, however, Paulie is physically assaulted by her angry husband.
Suspicious of her behavior, Ralph tells his secretary Kathy Stevens (Jody Lawrance) that he's planning to take his wife on a vacation and permit Marsh to run the company in his absence. Ralph then follows Paulie when she sees Marsh. Now willing to do anything to get away from her husband, Paulie pleads with Marsh to rob the jewels from the thieves as they leave Dr. Lynbury's house.
At the scene of the crime, where Marsh successfully steals the gems from the thieves who have robbed Dr. Lynbury's home, Ralph catches Marsh and Paulie in the act and Paulie shoots him. Gunfire from the thieves makes Marsh believe they were the ones who shot Ralph.
As the police investigate, Kathy discovers that Ralph has secretly made a recording, explaining his suspicions about his wife. Kathy is in love with Marsh, who decides to go to the police and confess. It turns out, meanwhile, that Dr. Lynbury has masterminded the burglary of his own home, looking to collect insurance money after having replaced his wife's jewels with worthless fakes. Police eventually place Lynbury under arrest and Paulie as well, with Marsh's cooperation.
A 1956 American Black & White film-noir crime film (a/k/a "Too Late My love" and "Kiss-Off") produced & directed by Michael Curtiz, screenplay by Alford Van Ronkel, Frank Tashlin and John Meredyth Lucas, based on the story "The Kiss Off" by Frank Tashlin, cinematography by Lionel Lindon, starring Carol Ohmart, Tom Tryon, Jody Lawrance, James Gregory, Elaine Stritch, E. G. Marshall, Edward Binns, David Lewis, Billy Gray, Jacques Aubuchon, Scott Marlowe, Johnstone White, James Stone, Maureen Hurley, James Todd, Benson Fong, and Nat "King" Cole. Released by Paramount Pictures.
Lauren Bacall was initially cast as Pauline Nevins, but later left the production. Barbara Stanwyck was then cast, before leaving to do another film. The studio then tested Carol Ohmart and Carroll Baker, to focus on building up their recently-signed newcomers. Jack Palance was considered for the role of Marsh, before Tom Tryon was chosen. The role of Kathy Stevens went to Elizabeth Montgomery, but her father's demands with the studio got her dismissed from the production. Michael Curtiz then saw Jody Lawrance on an episode of "Fireside Theater", later known as "Jane Wyman Presents the Fireside Theatre" (NBC TV 1949-1958), and offered her the role. James Gregory and Elaine Stritch, having left the successful Broadway productions Desperate Hours and Bus Stop, were cast as Ralph and Phyllis. Initially, Wendell Corey and James Todd were considered for the role of Ralph.
Carol Ohmart was one of a bevy of sexy blondes shuffled about in 50s films, thrust into the limelight by ambitious movie studios as possible contenders to Marilyn Monroe's uncooperative pedestal. Almost none of these ladies managed to even step up to the plate when it came to the powerful allure of "La Monroe" and starlet Carol Ohmart managed to be no different.
Armelia Carol Ohmart was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 3, 1927, the daughter of a dentist father (Thomas Carlyle Ohmart, a one-time actor) and an abusive Mormon mother (Armelia Merl Ohmart). Raised in Seattle and a baby contest winner as an infant, she was on stage from age 3 in a vaudeville act with her uncle. She then lived all over the place with her mother after her divorce from her father, attending high school at Lewis & Clark High in Spokane. A radio singer back in Salt Lake City, Carol won the "Miss Utah" title (then a brunette) at age 19, coming up fourth runner-up when she segued into the 1946 "Miss America" contest (came in 5th). The attention she received led to a modeling, commercial and magazine cover career.
The wardrobe was designed by Edith Head, who remarked that Carol Ohmart "looked and moved like a cat".
Curtiz had previously directed such noted films as "Casablanca" (1942), "Yankee Doodle Dandy" (1942), and "White Christmas" (1954).
The song "Never Let Me Go", written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, is performed by Nat King Cole.
This study of marital discord leading to murder travels a well-worn film noir path, but slick direction from Michael Curtiz, spirited performances from a fascinating cast, and a jaw-dropping transfer freshen up this taut tale of infidelity, greed, and murder. This delivers solid entertainment and makes a great addition to any noir collection.
These old movies especially in B&W just are something really special & unique.
This movie, what a nice find! Ok, so the actors weren't A List, but there's depth and all were solid performances. Script and direction were superb. Thank you kindly for this post! ❤
There are a bunch of A-list actors that can't act.
Apparently, this was Omhart's first movie. She was considered to be really talented, and was highly regarded in the biz. But, in her first role she was a cheater, a killer, was drunk, and I guess her character committed self deletion, though we don't see that here, and it was considered a major blow to her career. I read that Stanwyck turned down the role. They do look a little alike.
This was really enjoyable. The SoCal of the mid-fifties, that house and the luscious Carol Ohmart. Others like Curtiz, Edith Head, Wally Westmore and Nat Cole, who a year later would appear in Istanbul, which starred Curtiz' former nemesis and star, Errol Flynn.
Ohmart had such a smokey voice! I guessed from the first few moments that she was stepping out on her husband, and a victim of domestic abuse! She has that
'wanton' look! Born to Mormon parents, like Amy Adams! Tom Tryon's role was as her stooge! In real life, he was very accomplished.
Thanks, DPB! Another gem!
Good movie, much better then I expected. Worth the watch.
What a movie!! Thank you!!
OK...I'm watching for the second time...THIS IS AN AWESOME MOVIE!!
Intricate plot: much more than I expected. A lot of times these things just mechanically trod along to exactly where you know they're gonna go: 45 minutes worth of plot stretched out to 90 minutes,
Always intrigues me how many worthy vintage movies there are that I've never seen - - - never even heard of.
Tom Tryon’s character introduces himself as E V Marshall to police lieutenant Jennings, played by the actor E G Marshall 😊
Miss Ohmart's finest moments. It is hard for me to believe that she was actually that beautiful!
Great cliffhanger ! and unknown to many!
Movies that taste like old wine that keeps on fermenting as it ages.
Mine is boxed. I'm not fussy.
What an excellent film!
Had me glued to the screen.
Nat King Cole is always a treat❣️
MICHAEL CURTIZ - simply the greatest movie director !
He did some good ones, but this wasn't one of them.
@jeanfleetwood1971 THERE IS no such. All ranking is childish. There are 2 many ichibans in the world. That s why this system s @ the eve of destruction. Legends of their own minds rule us all into hell, cause they don t care to know how to stay humble from here to eternity. Puppets 4 breakfast - the motto of the depressing era. Noirish in a big way, as in KISS ME, DEADLY ...
@@rufust.firefly4890You are right there. Maybe it was a paycheck job.
Where is Dan Duryea when you need him!!!!???? What a GREAt Film Noir this would have been.all it is missing is my favorite Film Noir actor, Dan Duryea!!!!
🥰Thank you 👍Good movie 😃Good cast 🥰A fan of James Gregory 😃
Love it ! 👍
Michael Curtiz (curTEEZ) could do no wrong. Look at his filmography. And Nat King Cole is always a plus.
Paramount's own Marilyn bid but Carol's career didn't take off, tho, she did finally star in one well loved classic HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL
I enjoyed her in Spider Baby as well. 🖤
Interesting, she somewhat took on the jealous dispositions of her husband. (Psychological Thriller of A Sort - A case for possesion - A case for possessive possession)
"Elaine Stritch"...wasn't she part of a comedy duo with the guy who played Seinfield's father? She was hysterical.
No ,she was never on Seinfeld.
@michaelmiller the actor who played Seinfeld's dad was Jerry Stiller. He and wife, Anne Meara had a comedy duo (1950's-60's), Stiller and Meara. They're the parents of actor/filmmaker Ben Stiller. Elaine Stritch I recognize but, only from mid-century character parts and game shows circa 1970's. :/
@@realskybluepink9124 Supporting comedy actor Barney Martin was actually the one playing Jerry's father on the program while Comedy veteran Jerry Stiller played the father of George Costanza.
@@johnqpublic314 you're right, I got that wrong. Thank you.
@@realskybluepink9124 Elaine Stritch would claim much later that she and Rock Hudson dated. If you've ever seen and heard her, it makes perfect sense.
It is very good.
Sme voice that nat cole has so dreamy
It's definitely a tangled web we weave
15:59>Nice sweater.1:05:01>Unbilled Richard Deacon,1:19:47 Unbilled David Lewis.
54:00 E.V. Marshall meets E. G. Marshall.
‘Kathy Stevens’ apartment bldg.
is the Alto Nido of Sunset Boulevard fame.
1:07:46 - 1:07:48 The inspiration for the "Lobby Card".
Q: Why was this (brief) scene included ?
A: The Director had a foot/leg fetish. Can't blame him.
O nome de Michael Curtiz induz a uma expectativa infelizmente nao cumprida. Sem contar com atores e atrizes carismaticos, esse filme e decepcionante...
For a debut performance, Carol Omart did a fine job!
The Hayes code always ruins any plot twists
I like the part when the spaceship came down and took the girl away
Frank Tashlin co-scripting a Michael Curtis melodrama⁉
Tryon something at Omart.
Sounds like a shopping trip.
You couldn't Tryon sneakers at KMart. They were tied together.
Poor Carol😢 She chose an early curtain call.
Tom Tryon's career did not take off either. 1:14
Poxa ! Filmaço , pena q n esteja legendado em português 🎥😔😔
1:10:51 "Get your hands off of me!" She then hits the coffee cup out of his hands. He hadn't touched her.
Sometimes it is best to cut your losses. This would be hard to see through, so I won't.
Bad ending, could have been resolved in a better way as Marshall’s only crime was stealing worthless jewelry and the Dr. was complicit in a much larger crime of insurance fraud. Sorry to spoil it but it seems as though many good movies are spoiled by bad endings.
Michael Curtiz was no longer making Errol Flynn spectaculars and this is a very low-key effort for him . He'd left Warner Brothers and this pretty-ordinary effort was probably all that he could get.
Nat King Cole's brief presence was a welcome plus. Tom Tryon, like Carol Ohmart, was never going to hit the acting 'big time' and he threw in the towel to become a novelist.
The Cardinal.
Carol never became a star but, she certainly had sex appel. You can't take your eyes off her.
Back then you wouldn't tell A-List from B. Talent and charismatic personality ruled Hollywood.
She rather resembles Marril Streep
1:29:24
"Let's have a look at this . . ."
I guess probable cause and search warrants hadn't been invented yet?
Curtiz must have been hungry to direct this sleep inducing wonder. Carol House on Haunted Hill Ohmart. Tom Texas John Slaughter Tryon. Jacques Chief Urulu Aubuchon. Billy Father Knows Best Gray. Some other familiar faces. Couldn't they come up with a better name for Tryon? EV Marshall and EG Marshall is in it.
Ohmart's hot gams and toe wiggle shot 1:01:05 - 1:01:12 soooooooooooooooo delicious!!!
Gams! Well, hubba hubba!🐺Wolf whistle! I got such a yen and I don't mean Chinese currency!
@@akrenwinkle One hot tomata.
31:59
I watch noir classics around the clock and just discovered this gem.
Don't you have a wife?
I'm handicap and bedridden these days.
@@ochogritos7929 sorry for the comment
No offense taken. It was a legitimate question. I meant to write with all of the Noir I watch round the clock somehow I missed this one. And no wifey.
39:47 - The billboard advertising Forest Lawn (Glendale) as a tourist attraction. Ohmart is driving a 1955 Chrysler New Yorker Deluxe Convertible Coupe (ragtop).
Rip Van Ronkel?
YES, HIM!!
@@None-zc5vg I don't know where this movie has been hiding, but I liked iT. iT had some good wrinkles. Still, the question remains, at the 1:10:40 ish mark did Tom pour a cup of hot water for Carol? Why would iT even be hot? Was the stove on all day? Surely Carol didn't have anything to do with iT.