Watch Jigsaw

Jigsaw is a gripping crime film from 1949 directed by Fletcher Markle. The film is centered around the character of Howard Malloy, a retired detective who becomes embroiled in a high-stakes case involving a psychopathic killer known as "The Jigsaw". Franchot Tone stars as Malloy, while Jean Wallace portrays his love interest, nightclub singer Lois Frazer.

The movie opens with young women being brutally murdered and dismembered by the elusive Jigsaw, who sends taunting messages to the police through newspaper advertisements. Malloy, who is recovering from an injury he sustained on the job, eagerly returns to work when the case takes off. He works alongside his former partner, Detective Lieutenant Pete Ventantonio (played by Marc Lawrence).

As the investigation progresses, Malloy and Ventantonio are given several leads, including a bookie named Orlando Ferris (Myron McCormick) who has ties to the nightclub where Lois performs. Malloy uses his charm to get close to Lois in order to gather information on Ferris, but he soon realizes that his feelings for her run deeper than he originally thought.

As the police close in on the killer's trail, tension mounts and the stakes get higher. Malloy is forced to make tough decisions in order to catch the killer and protect those he cares about. The climax of the film features a thrilling chase scene that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

What makes Jigsaw stand out is its focus on the psychological aspects of crime. The portrayal of the killer, the hunt for him, and the mental toll it takes on the investigators are all handled with sensitivity and nuance. The film also delves into issues of justice, revenge, and morality.

The performances in Jigsaw are top-notch. Franchot Tone turns in a nuanced performance as Malloy, portraying him as a flawed but determined individual who is haunted by the traumas of his past. Jean Wallace is equally impressive as Lois, giving a vulnerable yet fierce performance as a woman who finds herself caught up in the dangerous world of crime.

Myron McCormick steals the show as the menacing Orlando Ferris. He imbues the character with a sense of danger that makes him a worthy adversary to Malloy and Ventantonio. The rest of the supporting cast, including Lawrence and Marjorie Bennett, also deliver solid performances that round out the film nicely.

Visually, the movie is stunning, with superb black and white cinematography by John F. Seitz. The suspenseful and atmospheric score by Dimitri Tiomkin adds to the tension of the film. The film also features several inventive camera techniques, such as overhead shots and Dutch angles, that give it a unique and dynamic look.

Overall, Jigsaw is an exceptional crime film that stands the test of time. Its stellar performances, thought-provoking themes, and thrilling conclusion make it a must-see for fans of classic cinema.

Jigsaw is a 1949 crime movie 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 5.6.