Ida Lupino's skillful performance highlights this rather morbid and downbeat edition of "Lux Playhouse". The combination of sensitivity and hopelessness is a bit tough to take.
While Ida is utterly sympathetic, the script stacks the deck against her. It's a period piece set in London, where Hurd Hatfield is immediately shown to be a serial killer, strangling "ladies of the night". He has a hatred of "painted ladies", and later we learn more of his background and the possible source of his mania.
When he slips up and is on the run from the local bobbies, Ida lets him stay at her flat, offering sympathy and refuge. She knows he's likely the killer, but she is so lonely that this is a plus rather than a reason for her to turn him in. Final reel is somewhat predictable in resolving the story, but actual ending, while pulling some punches, is nonetheless utterly negative.
While Ida is utterly sympathetic, the script stacks the deck against her. It's a period piece set in London, where Hurd Hatfield is immediately shown to be a serial killer, strangling "ladies of the night". He has a hatred of "painted ladies", and later we learn more of his background and the possible source of his mania.
When he slips up and is on the run from the local bobbies, Ida lets him stay at her flat, offering sympathy and refuge. She knows he's likely the killer, but she is so lonely that this is a plus rather than a reason for her to turn him in. Final reel is somewhat predictable in resolving the story, but actual ending, while pulling some punches, is nonetheless utterly negative.