Johnny O'Clock

Infobox Film
name = Johnny O'Clock


caption = Theatrical poster
director = Robert Rossen
producer = Edward G. Nealis
writer = Story: Milton Holmes
Screenplay: Robert Rossen
narrator =
starring = Dick Powell
Evelyn Keyes
Lee J. Cobb
music = George Duning
cinematography = Burnett Guffey
editing = Al Clark Warren Low
distributor = Columbia Pictures
released = January 23, 1947 (U.S.A.)
runtime = 85 minutes
country = United States
language = English
budget =
amg_id = 1:97272
imdb_id = 0039515|

"Johnny O'Clock" (1947) is a American crime "film noir" directed by Robert Rossen and written by Robert Rossen, based on a story written by Milton Holmes. The drama features Dick Powell, Evelyn Keyes, Lee J. Cobb, among others. [imdb title|id=0039515|title=Johnny O'Clock.]

Plot

Slick, egotistical Johnny O'Clock (Powell) is a partner in a gambling house that has seen better days. When the hat-check girl is found murdered, he gets involved with crooked cops and criminals that includes his shady partner in the casino, Pete.

In addition to trying to deal with the partner that may bring about his downfall, and the murder of Harriet the hatcheck, O'Clock also juggles the many women in his life including Pete's wife.

Cast

* Dick Powell as Johnny O'Clock
* Evelyn Keyes as Nancy Hobson
* Lee J. Cobb as Inspector Koch
* Ellen Drew as Nelle Marchettis
* Nina Foch as Harriet Hobson
* Thomas Gomez as Pete Marchettis
* John Kellogg as Charlie
* Jim Bannon as Chuck Blayden
* Mabel Paige as Slatternly Woman Tenant
* Phil Brown (actor) as Phil, Hotel Clerk

Critical reaception

"Time Out" film guide notes "Despite good performances and fine camerawork from Burnett Guffey, Rossen's first film as director is a disappointingly flat thriller...Since they remain totally unmemorable (through no fault of the actors concerned), the subsequent action tends to become little more than a sequence of events mechanically strung together." [ [http://www.timeout.com/film/77249.html "Time Out"] . Film review, 2006. Last accessed: January 20, 2008.]

The staff at "Variety" magazine gave the film kudos, writing, "This is a smart whodunit, with attention to scripting, casting and camerawork lifting it above the average. Pic has action and suspense, and certain quick touches of humor to add flavor. Ace performances by Dick Powell, as a gambling house overseer, and Lee J. Cobb, as a police inspector, also up the rating...Although the plot follows a familiar pattern, the characterizations are fresh and the performances good enough to overbalance. Dialog is terse and topical, avoiding the sentimental, phoney touch. Unusual camera angles come along now and then to heighten interest and momentarily arrest the eye. Strong teamplay by Robert Rossen, doubling as director-scripter, and Milton Holmes, original writer and associate producer, also aids in making this a smooth production." [ [http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117792177.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&p=0 "Variety"] . Film review, January 23, 1947. Last accessed: January 20, 2008./]

Bosley Crowther gave the film a mixed review because of the film's slow pace, and wrote, "But the slowness and general confusion of the plot for two-thirds of the film does not make for notable excitement, and the shallowness of the mystery as to who's doing all the killing relieves it of any great suspense. It is mainly a matter of watching Mr. Powell go through his paces stylishly while a large cast of actors and actresses give him customary support. Evelyn Keyes plays the good little lady who brings out the best in him and Ellen Drew is the sleek and slinky vixen who gets him into jams. Thomas Gomez is oily as the villain and Lee J. Cobb does another able tour as a weary police inspector who finally closes the case. A great deal of drinking and smoking is done by all concerned." [ [http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?_r=1&res=9404E6D8113EEE3BBC4F51DFB566838C659EDE&oref=slogin Crowther, Bosley] . "The New York Times," film review, March 27, 1947. Last accessed: January 20, 2008.]

References

Notes

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