Son Of Fury (1942) / Only The Brave (2017) / Whirlpool (1950) / The Prom (2020) / The Razor's Edge (1946) / The Seventh Veil (1945) / Time Trap (2017)
Son Of Fury (1942) Rousingly made, fleet-footed historical tale of revenge and South Seas harmony, with luxurious production values as gorgeous as its cast. Amid the spectacle and lush visuals, there's even time for a discussion of inequality while a witty Dudley Digges is an Act 3 scene-stealer.
Whirlpool (1950) Increasingly bonkers narrative elevated by Gene Tierney's kleptomania minded victim of snarling Jose Ferrer's murderous hypnotist. Some smart dialog and atmospheric moments amid the B movie hysteria provide minor diversions before a suitably melodramatic finale.
The Prom (2020) A captivating musical with heart to spare. Thematically uneven, narratively messy, carried by a parade of genuine performances, catchy songs and energetically choreographed, glossily designed sequences. Its all-inclusive finale can't help but swell up emotions.
The Razor's Edge (1946) Lusciously produced, with extended sequences of pure cinema, a traumatized war veteran travels to Paris and the Himalayas to find meaning to life. Visual beauty contrasts with often clunky dialog, though the tragic souls of Gene Tierney and Anne Baxter pierce the worthy ideas.
The Seventh Veil (1945) Seductively shot with a pervading sense of gothic romance, a wickedly enjoyable tale as repressed Anne Todd cracks under the glare of brooding James Mason. Though it falters during the third act, hugely satisfying melodramatic nonsense, expertly orchestrated.
Time Trap (2017) Technically proficient, narratively jumbled, young cave explorers are lost in time and battle the past and future. Revelations are less surprising than confusing and the story rhythms dry out any tension, denying potentially interesting details from gaining any dramatic impact.
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