Stranger on the Third Floor (1940)
Director: Boris Ingster
Starring: Peter Lorre, John McGuire, Margaret Tallichet
Synopsis:
A reporter feeling guilty about his testimony that may have convicted an innocent man finds himself implicated in a similar killing.
Impressions:
This is the film considered to be the first film noir, beating out The Maltese Falcon by a year. While not quite as good as The Maltese Falcon, this is nevertheless pretty good. The crime is less of the focus than the main character's paranoia at being implicated. It's an interesting angle and it's kinda fun watching Mike dig himself progressively deeper in the hole. Though his time on the screen is rather brief, Peter Lorre leaves a strong expression as the eponymous stranger, delightfully creepy. I kinda would've liked to see more of him, but perhaps keeping his appearances so short improve the impact. I think the end was wrapped up a little too neatly, but that's about the only complaint I have. Give this one a watch.
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