DVD Review: I Wake Up Screaming
I Wake Up Screaming
Directed by H.Bruce Humberstone. Cast: Betty Grable, Victor Mature, Carole Landis, Laird Cregar, Alan Mowbray, Allyn Joslyn, Elisha Cook, jr. Released by 20th Century Fox on November 14, 1941.
Kino Lorber continues to release some top film noir with “I Wake Up Screaming.”
Victor Mature stars as a sport promoter who is accused of murdering a pretty actress of his acquaintance (played by Carole Landis). While he retains the support of the woman’s sister (Betty Grable), he is pursued by an aggressive police officer (Laird Cregar) who realizes his innocence, but wants to use the incriminating evidence to close the case.
Director H. Bruce Humberstone had helmed everything from Charlie Chan mysteries, to Ritz Brothers comedies, to Cisco Kid westerns when given this assignment. He rises to the occasion nicely, bathing his characters in shadows and framing each scene for its greatest visual effect.
The performances are great. Alan Mowbray does some of his best work as a troubled has-been actor whose frustrations in life appear to be the catalyst for guilt. Allyn Joslyn is cast perfectly within type as a snappy reporter. But it is Laird Cregar who turns in perhaps the film’s best performance. His imposing size and cool demeanor exhibit the sort of terrifying evil that allows a noir drama of this type to soar. Laird Cregar was so serious about this role, he volunteered to do a ride along with actual police as he prepared for his role. He even got involved in an actual shootout. Cregar only lived 31 years, but the impact he made on films such as this still resonates. Elisha Cook jr.’s presence is significant to the film’s conclusion.
“I Wake Up Screaming” is not the original title of this film It was originally called “Hot Spot,” and was released under that title in the UK. The blu ray from Kino Lorber uses “I Wake Up Screaming” as the film’s title.
This was Victor Mature’s first film for 20th Century Fox, where he would continue to appear in several popular films during the 1940s. “I Wake Up Screaming” helped established him as a leading man in noir subjects.
The blu ray is nicely restored by Kino Lorber and the film is highly recommended. It is available here.