One of my all time favorites.

Fantastic!

Boring

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

Edward G. Robinson (John Triton), Gail Russell (Jean Courtland), John Lund (Elliott Carson), William Demarest (Shawn), Virginia Bruce (Jenny), Jerome Cowan (Whitney Courtland), Richard Webb (Peter Vinson), Onslow Stevens (Dr Walters), Luis Van Rooten (Myers), John Alexander (Golman), Roman Bohnen (Weston).Director: JOHN FARROW. Screenplay: Jonathan Latimer, Barré Lyndon from the 1945 novel by Cornell Woolrich. Photography: John F. Seitz. Film editor: Eda Warren. Music: Victor Young. Art director: Hans Dreier and Franz Bachelin. Costumes: Edith Head. Producer: Endre Bohem. Copyright and U.S. release 22 October 1948 by Paramount. Released 4 October 1948 (U.K.), 4 November 1948 (Australia). 7,307 feet. 81 minutes.COMMENT: The film noir revival has brought some of John Farrow's films back into focus. Due to a somewhat hokey script (the killer's identity is not only obvious but motives did not convince me) and a discordantly "comic" performance by William Demarest, this one is not half as interesting as The Big Clock, Alias Nick Beal or Plunder of the Sun.But nonetheless, the movie does present Edward G. Robinson, perfectly cast as the troubled Triton who could foretell the future but had neither the power to forestall it nor "change evil into good." Gail Russell is also immaculately cast and, aside from William Demarest (who is usually quite good but misses the bus here), the rest of the players do solid work.

Once again Edward G. Robinson turns a basic ordinary story into something very watchable....and suspenseful.A former magic act sees things happen to people in the future. He then realizes that these things all happen. 20 years after his magic act has ended he sees a vision of a former friend and it's not a good one. He goes to tell his friend's daughter and the next day...it comes true. That same night she comes to visit him and he sees her death is....imminent. From this we get the suspense and a lot of it. Who's gonna get her? This is a very suspense laden film. Edward G. plays the former magic man/mystic very well and you will believe everything he says. He had a way of turning any average film into something you remember for a few days...and not a few hours after you see it.This is a really creepy little film to look out for. Jump on this one if you get a chance and tell me I'm wrong.

I noticed many of the reviewers saw this film in their early teens. I also saw this movie when I was about twelve years old and I never forgot it. Actually, the film has haunted me since then; I am now almost 55 years old. I researched the internet just to find this movie. I of course did not remember the name of the file, but I remember Edward G. Roberson's performance. Someone wrote the film is not on video. I hope this is not true. I have to find this film. I will write AMC and ask them if they have the video. Good to see so many folks love good performances and recognize EGR's genius. EGR's presence in this film is truly astounding and I cannot get it out of my head. I always have enjoyed his work as most of those in my age group do. I love real gangster films Bogart Edward G ruled back in the day. But what a change and true showing of range to see him play a sensitive moody soul with a talent for which many would kill. His vulnerability and inner turmoil are to state the obvious unforgettable. I must find this film.

According to "The Films of Edward G. Robinson", this entry in the 2008 Film Noir Series at the Egyptian on April 18, was pretty much dismissed by critics and the star itself. After all, this came right after his masterful performance in John Huston's "Key Largo", for which he teamed up with Humphrey Bogart for the last time. This film barely shows up in Gail Russell's bio, who's probably best known as John Wayne's co-star in "Angel and the Badman", the first time he utters "pilgrim", as that was what she played. However, "Night" did generally get a positive response with modern audiences. Director John Farrow, father of Mia, provided a good atmosphere and generally kept the narrative at the good pace. It begins with John Lund, the third name above the title, saving Russell from suicide. From there, they meet Robinson at a restaurant and who has already ordered exactly what they want. Then, he tells in flashback that he actually knew her parents quite well. As played by Virginia Bruce and Jerome Cowan, hey manage his clairvoyant act in which he actually gets glimpses of the future. In fact, he actually quits when an unfortunate event happens that I won't give away. Where he retires to is of special notice to old time Angeleno fans. He's seen going to his Bunker Hill residence from taking Angel's Flight. It is from there he brings the audience back to the present. Of special interest among the cast is William Demarest, who appeared in just about every Preston Sturges comedy during this time period. Playing straight, he's nevertheless is quite comical as the dumb police detective. The ending is actually quite well written. It has an intriguing twist and some of the best prose Robinson's voice was ever given to speak. A great film noir.