CROSSROADS

I've watched this film twice now, and enjoyed it both times.It definitely ratchets up the tension and suspense. In fact, you may very well find yourself on the edge of your seat, waiting for the unveiling of the mystery.I have to say, though, that the resolution, when it does come, seems rushed and a little too pat. Basically, the plot's climax only lasts about three minutes -- and it feels forced, speeded-up, and simply too convenient for William Powell's character.That being said, it is always a pleasure to see not only William Powell and Hedy Lamarr together in a movie, but Claire Trevor and the ever-brilliant Basil Rathbone as well. In fact, it is Claire Trevor's performance here, as an early femme fatale, that bolsters this movie's credentials as a film noir. (Or you might say "proto noir".)It's certainly true that 1942 is an early date for a film noir, but with this movie's dark and wet streets, gloomy atmosphere (it mostly takes place at night), foreboding suspense, shadowy photography, and possible tragic outcome for Powell's character, as well as its cruel and malicious villains, this film definitely checks all the boxes for a noir.Now, I have to say a little something about Hedy Lamarr. As several other reviewers have accurately pointed out, she is knockout gorgeous. But the thing is: she can't act ! Well, to be charitable, I should say instead that she is definitely not the world's greatest actress. She's terribly wooden and one-dimensional, in pretty much all of her performances. In fact, if you want to see her at her most dull, unconvincing, and stiff, just watch her in The Conspirators, from 1944. Anyway, as said before, she IS stunningly beautiful -- but she is not going to win any Academy Awards for her acting.William Powell, on the other hand, commands the screen in every one of his scenes. And Basil Rathbone and Claire Trevor, in all of their suave and oily wickedness, are very effective, creepy, and convincing as evil-doers.All in all, this is a sprightly and provocative movie. It got me all wound up about what would finally unfold with Powell's character. The fact that he suffers from amnesia seemed like a well-worn and trite gimmick at first, but I must say that the film pulls it off rather well. It becomes a stronger and more credible plot element as the movie rolls along. It's just a shame that the happy ending seems slightly contrived and tacked-on, in my opinion.And so, if you're looking for a fun and stimulating black and white suspense film, to pleasantly occupy you on some rainy afternoon, you should find yourself well satisfied with this nifty little movie.

This was a rare pairing of two great actors in this movie mystery! It's not on par with My Man Godfrey or The Thin Man series - but it's still very entertaining!

A pressed disc is always best. (They are bright silver on the back.) If a studio feels they MUST burn a disc, M-Disc should be utilized. A great movie like this should economically justify pressing a disc.The video and audio quality is excellent on the disc.William Powell (Thin Man fame) is a rising diplomat whose past may - or may not - have come back to haunt him in "Crossroads," also starring (the drop dead gorgeous) Hedy Lamarr, and Basil Rathbone.Powell is excellent in a serious role, which by this time had become somewhat unusual for him, and Lamarr is lovely as his wife and looks beautiful. No surprise there. I really enjoyed the visuals here and the way director Conway used the shadows to build up some nice atmosphere and this here really helped push the film over the edge. Add the atmosphere with the performances and you've got a GREAT movie that's well worth watching.This review is for the product I received from Amazon. If you are after a "Pure Movie Review", I recommend the International Movie Database. There, you will find reviews unrelated to the delivery mechanism.I highly recommend this great movie.

While I really like both Hedy Lamarr and William Powell, this film is not a great use of their talents. Powell is a much better comedic actor and you find yourself looking for more of his charm and wit, but not much is there in this movie. Lamarr is most famous for looking great but also was a pretty good actress. Here she has little to do with her part and aside from a couple scenes, they have her with some goofy hairstyles that don't do her justice. Rathbone and Trevor are both very good as villians here and keep the film from being any worse. Also Felix Breshart is always good to see, but his comedic skills like Powell are muted with the screenplay. See The Heavenly Body for a better pairing of Powell & Lamarr.

did not work on my(3) machines.

This is good classic movie. It has a twist at the end that is great.

If there were magazines out in the 930's judging beauty Hedy Lamar, would have appeared on the cover,multiple times. She is so lovely in this film. William Powell, is very, very cute as well!

This is a Very Good Movie, that I had never seen before. William Powell as always is Excellent. There is a very good supporting cast, including, Hedy Lamarr, Basil Rathbone, Claire Trevor, and Felix Bressard. A good mystery, akin too Film Noir. It is Not in my humble opinion, a great movie, it is a good movie. Maybe, aptly described, as a, Good Old Good One. This is a WB Archive Collection Disc, made on demand. It is NOT Remastered. The Quality is good.

love this movie

Interesting

Uninspired film, talking heads in big sets...but WHAT heads! Hedy and Claire!!!

Buenos dies ! Como creo les indiqué en mi devolución de este DVD , fué sencillamente por que tienen mal catalogado el vídeo por error y sigue así. Mi ilusión era el producto que anuncian "La Encrucijada" de Alfonso Balcazar ( con Analia Gade y Jaean Claude Pascal, etc) no "Encrucijada" con William Powell , etc . Si observan dicho articulo anunciado veran que el producto de la caràtula es una pel·lícula y el texto corresponde produción y reparto es otra que en definitiva es la que me interesaba ( la española ) ... Si por alguna razon pueden conseguir el DVD de "La Encurcijada " de Alfonso Balcazar se lo agradeceré. Gracias

Fine cast but a poor film. Boring even to me a fan of 30s/40s flicks.