Watch Scene of the Crime

Scene of the Crime is a thrilling crime drama from 1949, starring Van Johnson, Arlene Dahl, and Gloria DeHaven. The movie follows the story of police detective Mike Conovan (Van Johnson) as he tries to solve the murder of a wealthy businessman. The victim, Mr. Waterman, was shot in his office, and all the evidence seems to point at his wife, Vivian (Arlene Dahl).

As Conovan starts to investigate the case, he realizes that there may be more to it than what meets the eye. He starts to uncover a web of lies and deceit that involves not only Vivian but also her sister, Caroline (Gloria DeHaven), and their shady business partner, Frankie (Jerome Cowan). The more Conovan digs, the darker and more twisted the plot becomes, leading him to question everything he thought he knew about the case.

One of the strongest points of Scene of the Crime is the cast. Van Johnson delivers a solid performance as the hard-working and determined detective. He's charming and confident but also vulnerable and human, making the audience root for him from the beginning. Arlene Dahl, who plays the main suspect, is also fantastic. She's gorgeous and glamorous but also complex and unpredictable, keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats. Gloria DeHaven is another standout, portraying the supportive sister with ease and grace.

The direction by Roy Rowland is another highlight of the movie. He creates a tense and atmospheric ambiance, using shadows and light to enhance the mood. The scenes inside the police station are particularly well-done, with a sense of urgency and chaos that feels genuine. The screenplay, written by Charles Schnee and based on a story by Harold Greene, is also smart and engaging, keeping the audience guessing until the very end.

Despite being a relatively short movie (just under 90 minutes), Scene of the Crime packs a lot of twists and turns. There are red herrings, false leads, and surprise revelations that keep the plot moving forward. The pacing is excellent, with no dull moments, and the ending is satisfying and wraps up all loose ends neatly.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the cinematography by Paul Vogel. The movie is shot beautifully, with a noir-ish vibe that captures the mood of the time. The black and white visuals are crisp and clear, highlighting the characters' expressions and emotions.

In conclusion, Scene of the Crime is an excellent crime drama that still holds up today. It's suspenseful, well-acted, and expertly directed, making for a thrilling viewing experience. If you're a fan of classic movies or detective stories, this one is definitely worth checking out.

Scene of the Crime is a 1949 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.