Smooth as Silk (1946)

An attorney, engaged to an actress, gains acquittal for a wealthy playboy accused of manslaughter. The actress, anxious to play the lead in a production backed by the uncle of the playboy, ... See full summary »

Director:

Charles Barton

Writers:

Florence Ryerson (story), Colin Clements (story),

Stars:

Kent Taylor, Virginia Grey, Milburn Stone

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Kent Taylor	...	Mark Fenton
Virginia Grey	...	Paula Marlowe
Milburn Stone	...	John Kimble
John Litel	...	Stephen Elliott
Jane Adams	...	Susan Marlowe
Danny Morton	...	Don Elliott
Charles Trowbridge	...	Fletcher Holliday
Theresa Harris	...	Louise
Harry Cheshire	...	Wolcott

Storyline

An attorney, engaged to an actress, gains acquittal for a wealthy playboy accused of manslaughter. The actress, anxious to play the lead in a production backed by the uncle of the playboy, neglects her fiancée in favor of the playboy. The enraged attorney kills the playboy's uncle and makes plans to kill the playboy.

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Plot Keywords:

playboy | attorney | actress | acquittal | manslaughter | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Film-Noir

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

February 1946 (USA)

Also Known As:

Notorious Gentleman

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

64 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Version of A Notorious Gentleman (1935)

User Reviews

Who wants to type 60 words/minute?

Lawyer Kent Taylor (Mark) helps writer John Litel (Steve) by defending his relative Danny Morton (Don) in a drink-driving case where he is guilty. Taylor manipulates witness accounts so that Morton goes free and he does this on the understanding that Litel will give his girlfriend Virginia Grey (Paula), the lead role in his new play. Well, after the court case, Litel goes back on his word and, understandably, Taylor is not happy, especially when Grey's true character begins to reveal herself as she ruthlessly pushes her self-interest. Time for a murder......

This is a fast-moving film with entertaining dialogue and a cast that holds things together. Virginia Grey is good as an ambitious bitch who gets herself engaged whenever it suits her career and drops men like flies when she no longer needs them. She seems to be the main player for the first part of the film which then seems to switch and focus on the plight of Kent Taylor. We see the murder occur but does the cover-up work out? I tell you what, surely Virginia Grey isn't going to get away with having a personality like she has....surely not....?....

I'm not sure what the title means but it's an engaging film that moves along nicely.