78 years ago:
Hangover Square (US)
When composer George Harvey Bone wakes with no memory of the previous night and a bloody knife in his pocket, he worries that he has committed a crime. On the advice of Dr. Middleton, Bone agrees to relax, going to a music performance by singer Netta Longdon. Riveted by Netta, Bone agrees to write s...
1945-02-07
https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/35849
#HangoverSquare #LindaDarnell #GeorgeSanders #GlennLangan #20thCenturyFox #ClassicFilm #ClassicMovies #Movies

#HangoverSquare has quickly shot to the top of my list of #NoirAlley films. Gods, what a surprising and powerful film. Such a tragedy about the actors.

“I’ll neither be held nor hanged!” He goes absolutely mad, playing it to the end as everything burns down around him.

It’s horrific and poetic at the same time. #HangoverSquare #NoirAlley

Barbara, the only one who had genuine feeling for him, completes his legacy as it all ends. #HangoverSquare #NoirAlley

The music and editing combined with teh flashbacks. And, yes, this is amazing camera work. Especially as it all comes together. Gods.

Also, Laird was apparently a pianist but was forced to mime the work instead of playing it himself. #HangoverSquare #NoirAlley

Oh, I love the concierto. And the sweeping tilts, pans and tracking. Wonderfully handled. It’s a shame it’s Laird’s final performance. This is brilliant. #HangoverSquare #NoirAlley

Wow. Love the play of shadow and light here. George in the light, while the good doctor is entirely in the dark.

This confrontation scene is brilliantly handled. #HangoverSquare #NoirAlley

RT @E_VanEvery
Rolling out a new poster over Netta's while the newsboy calls out the story about her murder is stark. She only mattered when she performed. #HangoverSquare #NoirAlley

Oh, gods. Him coming out of the future state and looking for the cat - That just breaks me right there. #HangoverSquare #NoirAlley

The Guy Fawkes day tie up is perfect. Especially with Herrmann’s score! It’s so pagan and terrifying. #HangoverSquare #NoirAlley

Gods, i love the use of the fog and smoke here. And the long follow as he stalks her.

And BOO on the cat dying. Even if it is symbolic of Netta dying. #HangoverSquare #NoirAlley

Always beware of the man with Zachary Scott mustaches.

And the lady who asks you to write for her with nothing in return.

When the firecrackers hit… #HangoverSquare #NoirAlley

Guy Fawkes day! Nothing horrific would happen on that night… no shocking noises. Or events. #HangoverSquare #NoirAlley

“You could get me… all for you…” Lies. Lies and prevarications! And George knows it. Gods help Netta if she slams the keys. #HangoverSquare #NoirAlley

This is the most accurate depiction of working from home with a cat I’ve seen. #HangoverSquare #NoirAlley

And this is where having a musical talent like Hermann is crucial. The discordant whistling as he goes into a fugue state and the dread that follows is unmistakeable.

I also love the freeze frame on the dark puddle. #HangoverSquare #NoirAlley

“I have such a headache after seducing that theater agent.” I’m honestly surprised to not see him crawling out of her bedroom. #HangoverSquare #NoirAlley

Ha. George’s cat sits right where mine does when I’m writing. Or gaming. or watching #NoirAlley #HangoverSquare

Beware the man with the Zachary Scott mustache and the lady with ambitions. This feels very Scarlet Street in some ways. Also, the period piece allows for a lot more bared shoulders than most films… #HangoverSquare #NoirAlley

“For whom is it you are looking?” Gods, the way he speaks. So soft. Hides so much rage. It will boil over. #HangoverSquare #NoirAlley