Watch Whispering City

Whispering City is a black-and-white film from 1947 that follows homicide detective Steve Faulkner (played by Paul Lukas) as he investigates a murder in Montreal, Canada. The film opens with a visual montage of the city at night, accompanied by dramatic music, as the camera zooms in on a lady's cry for help. The victim is Jeanne Corcoran (played by Mary Anderson), a famous singer who was found dead in her apartment. The autopsy confirms that she was strangled to death. Her lover, Dr. Génessier (played by Helmut Dantine), becomes the prime suspect in the case. However, as the investigation progresses, Steve Faulkner discovers that there is more to the story.

As Faulkner digs deeper into Jeanne's life, he finds that she was connected to a bootlegger named Joe Elkins (played by John Pratt) and had a past with another man named Paul Savarin (played by George Rigaud). The plot thickens as Faulkner uncovers secrets and motives within each of these characters that lead him to believe that the killer may not be who he initially suspected.

One of the highlights of the film is the portrayal of Montreal as a city. The filmmakers made an effort to showcase the city's landmarks, such as St. Joseph's Oratory, Notre-Dame Basilica, and Old Montreal. The film was shot on location, giving the audience a glimpse of what Montreal looked like in the late 1940s.

Another standout aspect is the performances of the cast, particularly Paul Lukas and Mary Anderson. Lukas's portrayal of Steve Faulkner is understated yet effective. He brings a level of professionalism to the role, shown by his meticulous approach to the investigation. Anderson's portrayal of Jeanne Corcoran is nuanced and complex. She conveys the character's vulnerability and passion for music, making her death all the more tragic.

Helmut Dantine's portrayal of Dr. Génessier is also noteworthy. His character is initially seen as a cold and calculating murderer, but as the plot progresses, Dantine adds layers to the character, making him more sympathetic and human. The chemistry between Dantine and Anderson is palpable, adding to the tension of the plot.

The film's director, Fyodor Otsep, uses a variety of techniques to keep the audience engaged. The use of shadows and camera angles create a sense of unease and mystery. The music, composed by Maurice Blackburn, is eerie and haunting, adding to the film's noir atmosphere.

Whispering City is not without its flaws, however. The plot can be convoluted at times, with several red herrings and subplots that can make the story confusing. Some of the dialogue can also feel stilted, particularly in the interactions between Faulkner and his assistant, Sergeant O'Brien (played by John Pratt).

Despite these criticisms, Whispering City is a solid film noir that tells a compelling story. Its portrayal of Montreal is an added bonus, giving the audience a glimpse of a city and time period that may be unfamiliar to them. The performances of the cast are standout, particularly Paul Lukas and Mary Anderson. The film's use of shadow, camera angles, and music all contribute to a sense of unease and tension. Fans of film noir and detective stories will find plenty to enjoy in Whispering City.

In summary, Whispering City is a compelling film noir that tells the story of a homicide detective investigating a murder in Montreal. Its portrayal of the city, use of camera angles, and haunting music add to the film's tension and atmosphere. The performances of the cast, particularly Paul Lukas and Mary Anderson, are standout. Despite some convoluted subplots and stilted dialogue, Whispering City is a solid addition to the film noir genre.

Whispering City is a 1947 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.