Watch Lulu Belle

Lulu Belle is a 1948 romantic drama film, directed by Leslie Fenton, starring Dorothy Lamour, George Montgomery, and Albert Dekker. The film is set in New Orleans in the 1930s and revolves around the life of Lulu Belle, the lead singer of a nightclub. Dorothy Lamour plays Lulu Belle, a beautiful and captivating singer, who has risen to fame from humble beginnings. She is married to a musician named Mark Brady, played by George Montgomery. Their life is all set to take a turn when a wealthy businessman named Charles Haskell Jr. (Albert Dekker) sees Lulu perform and is instantly smitten by her.

Haskell is infatuated with Lulu and offers her opportunities in music and film, which at first, she refuses to accept. However, after facing financial troubles, she decides to accept his offer and leave Mark behind. Haskell’s influence quickly transforms Lulu into a sensation, and everything seems to be going well. But, trouble begins when Mark comes back into Lulu's life, and she realizes she still has feelings for him.

As the love triangle intensifies, Lulu faces numerous personal and professional dilemmas. She has to make decisions that will not only define her future but also affect everyone around her. Will she choose the opulence of her newfound life or return to her humble beginnings? Will Haskell's obsession lead to her downfall, or will Lulu make a clean break from her past? All of these questions come to head in the film's climactic finale, which won’t be spoiled here.

One of the most compelling aspects of Lulu Belle is its immersive portrayal of 1930s New Orleans. The production design, costumes, and music all work together to bring the period to life, presenting viewers with a vivid portrait of the time and place. The film also provides an insight into the entertainment industry and how it propelled artists from obscure origins to stardom.

The character of Lulu Belle is another significant highlight of the film. Unlike typical female leads of the era, Lulu is not just a helpless, pretty face. She is independent, confident, and ambitious, which makes her a compelling character to watch. Dorothy Lamour delivers an excellent performance as Lulu, effortlessly bringing out the character's vulnerabilities, strength, and charm.

The supporting cast of Lulu Belle is also noteworthy. George Montgomery's portrayal of Mark Brady, the musician and Lulu's husband, is a perfect foil to Lamour's Lulu Bell. As their relationship deteriorates throughout the film, Montgomery's performance never feels over-the-top, always striking the right balance between anger and heartbreak.

Albert Dekker's portrayal of Charles Haskell Jr. is another standout. He provides the character with an air of mystery and intrigue, making Haskell's infatuation with Lulu both alluring and unsettling. Dekker's commanding presence on the screen is impressive and adds to the dramatic tension of the film.

The direction by Leslie Fenton is solid and knows when to pull back and just let the actors take over the screen. The cinematography captures the city of New Orleans' vibrancy, while the music adds to the film's ambiance, creating the perfect background for the story's twists and turns.

In conclusion, Lulu Belle is a well-crafted romantic drama that still holds up today. The engaging story, excellent performances, and stunning production design make it a must-watch for fans of classic films. The film explores themes of love, ambition, and sacrifice, making it a character study of a woman whose rise to fame also marks her downfall.

Lulu Belle is a 1948 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.