Watch Identity Unknown

Identity Unknown is a 1945 film noir that tells the story of a military veteran who awakens in a hospital bed with no recollection of who he is or how he ended up there. The film stars Richard Arlen as the lead character, Walter Williams, and Cheryl Walker as his former girlfriend, Virginia Rogers. Roger Pryor plays Lt. Joe Crane, the detective who investigates Walter's case.

The film opens with Walter Williams found lying unconscious on a beach. He is taken to a hospital where he is diagnosed with amnesia. Nobody knows who he is, and he has no identification on him. Virginia Rogers, his former girlfriend, hears about the situation and goes to the hospital to see if she can help. Virginia believes that Walter Williams is her old friend Jim, who she had not seen in years. However, Walter insists she has the wrong person.

As Walter starts to recover, he gradually regains some of his memory. He remembers that he was in the military and that he worked on a top-secret project. He also recalls that he was on the run from someone who was trying to kill him. As they try to piece together Walter's past, the mystery deepens. There are a series of flashbacks that show the audience what happened before Walter lost his memory.

Despite his partial memory recovery, Walter cannot recall his name or any concrete details about his past. This frustrates both him and the police. The detective in charge of Walter's case, Lieutenant Joe Crane, is convinced that Walter is up to no good. Walter's intelligence and resourcefulness only increase Crane's suspicion.

Throughout the film, Virginia tries to assist Walter with his memory loss, but her motives remain ambiguous. She has a hidden agenda and is not quite as helpful as she appears to be. Virginia becomes the love interest of both Walter and Lieutenant Crane, adding a layer of complexity to the plot.

The film takes a few interesting turns as the investigation heats up. There are numerous suspects, including shady characters from Walter's past, hospital employees, and even Virginia herself. The suspenseful atmosphere keeps the viewer guessing until the end.

Identity Unknown is a classic film noir that follows the genre's conventions closely. It is told in a non-linear way, using flashbacks to provide backstory and clues to the viewer. There is also the femme fatale character, Virginia, who is beautiful, seductive, and potentially dangerous. The dark lighting, shadows, and camera angles used throughout the film add to its bleak and foreboding atmosphere.

The pacing is slow but steady, building to a climactic ending that satisfies the audience's thirst for answers. The acting is solid, particularly Richard Arlen's portrayal of Walter Williams, who is equal parts vulnerable and resourceful. The other actors give believable performances that keep the viewer engaged.

Overall, Identity Unknown is a well-crafted film noir that stands the test of time. The plot is intriguing, with enough twists and turns to keep the viewer guessing until the final reveal. The characters are complex and flawed, making them more relatable and interesting. With its classic noir elements, Identity Unknown is a must-see for fans of the genre.

Identity Unknown is a 1945 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.