The Reckless Moment (1949)

Director:

Max Ophüls

Writers:

Mel Dinelli (adaptation)
Henry Garson (screenplay)

Release Date:

29 December 1949 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Film-Noir

Plot:

After discovering the dead body of Bea Harper's lover, Bea's mother Lucia hides the body under the assumption...

Cast

James Mason	...	Martin Donnelly
Joan Bennett	...	Lucia Harper
Geraldine Brooks	...	Bea Harper
Henry O'Neill	...	Tom Harper
Shepperd Strudwick	...	Ted Darby
David Bair	...	David Harper
Roy Roberts	...	Nagel

Also Known As:

The Blank Wall (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

82 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Certification:

USA:Approved (certificate #13937) | UK:A (original rating) | UK:12 (re-rating) (2005) | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15

Company:

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Quotes:

Lucia Harper: It was my way of doing something that made everything wrong!

Movie Connections:

Featured in Maternal Overdrive (2006) (V)

Carried along on the hem of a fleece

Having first seen this gem on weekend matinee Tv many years ago, it was a welcome opportunity for a large screen viewing recently. I had most remembered the way in which Joan Bennett's coats were deployed, reflecting both the tempo and mood of each scene and this reminder did not disappoint. The billowing vents, an upturned collar and a tightly-fitted variation all work superbly as Joan Bennett steps into and out of cars, runs down steps or faces the hard-nosed characters who pepper this quiet post war non-noir caper.

But this is not all. Interaction between the characters is extremely well done, particularly as each one has some relationship with Bennett and it is easy to believe that these would continue beyond the confines of the movie. The uncredited contribution of the family's black maid/housekeeper reflects some of the hidden agenda and the doubt and frustration that temporarily threatens the happy home. Wonderfully played by Frances Williams along with James Mason's strong, although worried character Joan Bennett's coat tails were never better supported.