The Film Noir Collection: Woman On The Run

Great Film. Godawful transfer. Which is a shame as a little seen, peripheral film like this is unlikely to ever get the treatment it deserves whilst this grubby print and shoddy transfer is so freely available. Before I get into the film itself (which is actually a little gem) I have to say that this version of the film looks like it might be a third generation VHS transfer to DVD, probably from a public domain source. Yuk!

OK. With that out the way (and you've been warned) I'd like to counter that criticism by saying that this low-budget, no fills thriller is the movie equivalent of a page-turner. Starring Ann Sheridan and Dennis O'Keefe, it's a no-nonsense movie that throws itself straight into the narrative from the off.



A man is out walking his dog in San Francisco one night when he witnesses a gangland killing. Getting sight of the murderer, he dodges a couple of bullets himself - and then makes himself scarce, knowing that he will be the next target for the ruthless gunman.
In the meantime, his disappearance upsets the cops who decide to join forces with his wife to track him down - before the killer does. But all is not as it seems.

The wife is hard-boiled and bitter about a marriage that is clearly on the rocks. She drips harsh sarcasm and her dialogue is punctuated with smart wise-cracks. But as the film progresses it becomes clear that she loves her husband very much, and as the investigation into his disappearance gathers a pace, it appears he is still very much in love with her.



A reporter soon gloms onto her too, suggesting that, if he helps her track her husband down, that all he wants in return is an exclusive story. But all is not as it seems. The audience twig far sooner than she that the reporter is not quite the charming co-patriot that she believes him to be. And every moment takes them closer to discovering the whereabouts of her husband as she unwittingly aids the ruthless killer in his quest.

The film is full of almost Hitchcock level tension and the climax of the film, played out in an amusement park, is really top notch, despite the technical difficulties in delivering such an ambitious climax on a budget. (When you see the footage on the roller coaster you'll see what I mean).



There are some really great exteriors of San Francisco from the period which should please those interested in the social history of the area too.

Ann Sheridan plays Eleanor Johnson superbly, with a bitter, curled lip delivering her Chandleresque one liners. She was apparently 35 at the time of this picture and it shows. Once a favourite pin-up (during WWII) she could hardly be considered that here, though the slightly faded glamour certainly suits the role.



There are no extras on this disc, though that shouldn't be a surprise given the shoddy quality overall.

All in all, this is a thoroughly enjoyable film, though despite its budget price, you may want to wait until a better print turns up - though, of course, that could be a long wait.