Comments on: Seeing in the Dark: Night Has A Thousand Eyes (1948)

By: TCM's Classic Movie Blog

TCM's Classic Movie Blog — Fri, 28 May 2010 13:33:58 +0000

[...] gifted Hollywood character, director John Farrow. His noirish films, such as The Big Clock (1948), The Night Has a Thousand Eyes (1948) and Alias, Nick Beal (1949) have always intrigued me. I suspect that Farrow, who was [...]

By: moirafinnie

moirafinnie — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:19:50 +0000

Steve-O from Noir of the Week, I agree about the book of "Night Has a Thousand Eyes" being one of Woolrich's most beguiling, dream-like novels. He wrote so well about the loneliness and anger of the gifted seer,in translating this to film, they seemed to lose some of the grittiness, though Edward G. Robinson's portrayal of the character made this aspect of the novel implicit in his acting, giving it a deeper poignancy that the simplified screenplay ignored. For those who don't know, Steve maintains one of the best resources on the internet for all things noir at his website. CineMaven, I agree about Gail Russell's haunting quality in many roles and as a tragic figure. Though she is exceptionally good in the early scenes in this film, I suspect that working in this movie may have been difficult for her. As she recalled later, "I have hand trouble. Unconsciously I clasp my hands and then start wringing them. It's getting to be a gag now on the set. Director John Farrow (a talented but difficult man with whom she worked on "Calcutta" and "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes") had a stock line to deliver every time my hands wouldn't behave. It was, 'Hands, Gail, cut.' They finally tied my hands to my sides with handkerchiefs." Her underwritten character was blander than many of the other exceptionally memorable roles she played in this period, though her presence always inspires interest and sympathy in many of us who liked her work. Elliot, Thanks so much for your encouragement. I hope to write a bit more about Woolrich and the movies in the future. Scott, Thanks for that fascinating background info on the lovely Virginia Bruce. I haven't had a chance to read "Virginia Bruce: Under My Skin" (BearManor) just yet, but some readers may be remember Scott from his wonderful interview with me on Kay Francis, found here. Thanks to all who took the time to post here. I hope that each of you has a chance to see this film in the future.

By: Scott O'Brien

Scott O'Brien — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:04:48 +0000

Moira,
What an inspiring piece of work! Your analysis echoes my own feelings about the film while I worked on my Virginia Bruce biography. I appreciate all the back-ground information on Woolrich. Fascinating. I also felt the scenario lost its “punch” from the time the “buffoonish” police appeared. It had been three years since Virginia had filmed, and with her striking new look, she managed to impress in a minor role. When Robinson contacts Virginia’s daughter (Russell), he makes a remark about the mother-daughter resemblence. This puzzled me, until I learned that Joan Caufield was origianlly slated for the part. As I mention in my book, Caufield backed out of the film due to the amorous attentions of director Farrow. And you are right about Bruce’s underwritten role. The Los Angeles Times stated, “There is too little of Virginia Bruce.” Night Has A Thousand Eyes was completed a year before its 1948 release. Robinson needs to be commended on offering a strong characterization at a time he was being targeted by the House of UnAmerican Activities (fall of 1947). He volunteered to testify and then watched his career turn to shambles. “I became an absolute pariah,” said Robinson. If only he had had the “second sight” beforehand to see the outcome of offering his cooperation to the HUAC!

By: CineMaven

CineMaven — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:46:41 +0000

Hi there Moira, I have to pull this up soon and read it in its entirety. But I haven’t seen this movie in over thirty years and would [u]love[/u] to again. My god, Gail Russell is [u]haunting[/u]!!!

By: Elliot Lavine

Elliot Lavine — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:18:12 +0000

Moira, this is one of the most thorough and beautiful pieces I’ve ever read on Woolrich’s work. It so vividly captures the essence of this phenomenal story/film!! Thanks for doing this!

By: dale

dale — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 04:52:17 +0000

i taped this film in the summer of 1995. it’s a wonderful film and because of your article i decided to watch it tonight.
thanks for the reminder.

By: Bronxgirl

Bronxgirl — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 04:50:39 +0000

I saw this decades ago as a teenager (the Stone Age) and have only hazy memories of it. So wonderful to see your article!
I’m a Gail Russell fan and wish TCM would run it. (as well as THE UNSEEN)

By: Steve-O

Steve-O — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:40:13 +0000

This one is one of my favorites. The books is 1000 times better… but I love EG Robinson movies. A few years ago we featured this film as the Noir of the Week http://foxyurl.com/vOd

Thanks again for this excellent article!

By: J. Dunn

J. Dunn — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 04:53:38 +0000

I agree. It is an unforgetable film. Would like to see it again.

By: G Gonzalez

G Gonzalez — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:27:04 +0000

I saw this movie, Night Has a Thousand Eyes, many, many years ago and have never forgotten it. This needs to be available on DVD and if anyone wants to get up a petition I’ll sign.