"Wicked as They Come" (1956) is an excellent drama which combines film noir, melodrama and psychological elements. Arlene Dahl gives a superb performance as Kathy, a complex character. Kathy is a beautiful and wicked woman who hates men. She ruthlessly uses her smoldering beauty to acquire money and social status. Her demeanor is elegant but cool. Beneath her glamorous allure, Kathy has a heart of ice.
Kathy lives in the slums, and works at a dress factory. However, she is ambitious. Kathy wins a beauty contest by flirting with the judges, and receives stylish clothing and a trip to Europe.
In London, Kathy becomes involved with photographer Larry Buckham, who has a hot temper. Using Larry's credit, Kathy purchases gowns, furs and jewelry, and leaves Larry with the bills.
Kathy obtains a secretarial job at a large advertising agency in London, and uses her feminine allure with the much older and married executive Stephan Collins (Herbert Marshall) to gain money and status.
There is a classic bad girl confrontation scene between Collins' wife Virginia and Kathy. Virginia opens her checkbook and offers to pay Kathy to stop seeing her husband.
Kathy is disdainful of most men. However, she seems fond of Tim O'Bannion (Phil Carey), a handsome television producer with the agency. O'Bannion senses that Kathy has a tragic reason to hate men.
There are dramatic plot twists, and Kathy becomes ensnared in a murder situation. At this point the movie shifts from melodrama to film noir, with a mysterious prowler hiding in the shadows.
Kathy's fashions are gorgeous. She wears slim suits and gowns which accent her hourglass figure. Most of her clothes are black, symbolizing her amoral character. She also wears fur coats, hats, gloves, and a robe trimmed with fur. Fashion is important for bad girls, because Kathy's glamorous clothes help her attract wealthy men.
The movie was filmed in England, with sets of Paris. This is an underrated film. Hopefully a DVD will be released soon.
Kathy lives in the slums, and works at a dress factory. However, she is ambitious. Kathy wins a beauty contest by flirting with the judges, and receives stylish clothing and a trip to Europe.
In London, Kathy becomes involved with photographer Larry Buckham, who has a hot temper. Using Larry's credit, Kathy purchases gowns, furs and jewelry, and leaves Larry with the bills.
Kathy obtains a secretarial job at a large advertising agency in London, and uses her feminine allure with the much older and married executive Stephan Collins (Herbert Marshall) to gain money and status.
There is a classic bad girl confrontation scene between Collins' wife Virginia and Kathy. Virginia opens her checkbook and offers to pay Kathy to stop seeing her husband.
Kathy is disdainful of most men. However, she seems fond of Tim O'Bannion (Phil Carey), a handsome television producer with the agency. O'Bannion senses that Kathy has a tragic reason to hate men.
There are dramatic plot twists, and Kathy becomes ensnared in a murder situation. At this point the movie shifts from melodrama to film noir, with a mysterious prowler hiding in the shadows.
Kathy's fashions are gorgeous. She wears slim suits and gowns which accent her hourglass figure. Most of her clothes are black, symbolizing her amoral character. She also wears fur coats, hats, gloves, and a robe trimmed with fur. Fashion is important for bad girls, because Kathy's glamorous clothes help her attract wealthy men.
The movie was filmed in England, with sets of Paris. This is an underrated film. Hopefully a DVD will be released soon.