Rent The Reckless Moment (1949)

Classic Melodrama (big spoiler). - The Reckless Moment review by Steve

Film noir moves to the sunny suburbs of Los Angeles. Joan Bennett plays a harassed mother of two feisty kids who covers up the accidental death of her teenage daughter's older, mercenary lover and is blackmailed. When the extortionist (James Mason) falls in love with his mark, he must protect her from his brutal, less principled accomplice.

That's a crazy story, but we are expected to accept its emotional truth even though the narrative realism is stretched. For anyone able to make that allowance, this is a thrilling and compelling melodrama. The relationship between the two leads is extraordinarily moving, especially as production code convention means their feelings remain unspoken. 

The chiaroscuro photography of the house of shadows is exceptionally beautiful. The dark interiors contrast satisfyingly with the sunlit, prestigious, lakeside locations. Max Ophüls directs with impressive panache. And the stars are heartbreaking; both lonely in very different ways. For me, it's Mason's greatest performance.

His mute emotional pain is overwhelming. In the noir tradition, he suffers for a woman who may well be manipulating him for selfish reasons. At the end, she's free to just walk away... but surely devastated by his sacrifice? Or is Ophüls saying the poor must suffer and be morally compromised so the rich can live in righteous comfort? Don't miss this one.

The mom with aplomb - The Reckless Moment review by RhysH

Joan bennet plays the protective American mom Lucia with some aplomb.

James Mason plays the crook Donnelly, caught between villainy and his growing love for Lucia. He gives a steely performance.

The director Max Ophuls was known for his tracking shots and elaborate camera movements.

James Mason wrote;

A shot that does not call for tracks,

Is agony for poor old Max,

Who, separated from his dolly,

Is wrapped in deepest melancholy

Once, they took away his crane,

I thought he'd never smile again.

The depiction of the black maid reflects life at the time but viewing today it is rather disturbing. Francis E. Williams who plays Sybil went on to have a distinguished role as a political activist, amongst many other things she was chairperson of the National Anti-Imperialist Movement in Solidarity with African Liberation. For this film she is not listed on the credits.