Lady in the Lake (1947)

[anselmo1]

I think this was one of the most innovated movies of its time period. Anyone else think this adapation of Raymond Chandler's book was an interesting concept? In addition, Robert Montgomery was outstanding in the role of Phillip Marlow.

 

[HadleyH]

Wow, never heard of "Lady in the Lake".
Robert Montgomery on the other hand, I like a lot, particulary his first talkies,what a leading man he was!!!! "Their Own Desire" with Norma
Shearer, love that one!!!!!

 

[Andykev]

Lady in the Lake

The movie is out on DVD and is part of one of my boxed sets. I enjoyed the movie, but it's not really a favorite of mine.

 

[Brian Sheridan]

An interesting idea but ultimately distracting and annoying. Montgomery was poor casting as Marlowe and the "point-of-view" camera work didn't help.

I read that the actors didn't like it either because they work their whole lives trying NOT to look into the camera (and break the fourth wall).

Worth seeing but not worth repeating for another movie.

BRS

 

[BegintheBeguine]

I LOVE this movie. I saw it as a child and have seen it several times as an adult, or whatever I am. You may also remember I love Robert Montgomery (Elizabeth's dad) in Alfred Hitchcock's Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

 

[Andykev]

I am watching it now

I like the scenes, and the costumes (period dress). The acting is rather bad, and the dialog is, well, stale.

Montgomery is very poorly cast. The FILM TECHNIQUE of "point of view" is horrible, and very distracting. It appears as if the director, OH MY is Robert Montgomery! MGM balled this one and it isn't the best. What is interesting is the commentary by film historians Alain SIlver and James Ursini.

The "you are the camera" style of filming I think spoils enjoyment. It reminds me of those work training films where they show a scene, and you are supposed to react to it..if anyone has ever done one of those before.

Compare this film to say, The Big Sleep, you can see how a master director and cinematographer can make a Chandler novel into a classic.

Lady in the Lake does not rise to this level. It IS however entertaining, and novel on how they did it. A film study class at the community college could use this film as an example of what, although novel, doesn't work. IMHO.

 

[Brian Sheridan]

You may also remember I love Robert Montgomery (Elizabeth's dad) in Alfred Hitchcock's Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

He was great in that vastly underrated Hitchcock movie.

BRS

 

[DancingSweetie]

I really like this movie too.

 

[Max Slade]

Lady in the Lake

I enjoyed this movie very much although my family didn't make it past the first 15 minutes. Now my son, the would be motion picture director, is surprised that I know about this movie and its innovation.