Johnny O'Clock

Getting back to the Columbia Noir series, I turn to Johnny O'Clock, from 1947, written and directed by Robert Rossen in his directorial debut (he went on to make All The King's Men and The Hustler). It is an uneven film that is poorly paced, but has it's moments.

The title character is played by Dick Powell, who was a song and dance man but changed course to play many dramatic roles in noirs, starting with Murder, My Sweet. He is the co-owner of a casino, along with Thomas Gomez. They go way back, but Gomez isn't aware that Powell was once very close to his wife (Ellen Drew). Powell is approached by a homicide cop (Lee J. Cobb) to gather evidence about a crooked cop that Powell and Gomez have been employing as a hit man.

That cop turns up dead, along with his girlfriend, a hat check girl at the club (Nina Foch). Cobb investigates, while Powell consoles the dead girl's sister (Evelyn Keyes).

What's interesting about the film is the character of O'Clock (many mention the unusual name, and a pocket watch will play an important role in the plot). He owns a casino but never gambles, and is a dapper, sophisticated gent who acts above the sordid business he is involved in. The best scenes are when he and Cobb square off. Cobb is a slovenly hulk, constantly smoking cigars, but sees through Powell. In one exchange he tells Powell that he thinks he is smart, but is stupid. Powell snaps back, "Stupid? How much money do you have?" Cobb replies, "How long do you have to live?"

The elements are here for a better picture, but the plot doesn't make much sense and the dialogue, though often snappy, is more often overheated. I also didn't care for Keyes' performance. It's also overheated, and she isn't helped by sappy dialogue. Noir films often didn't treat their women well. Keyes is probably best remembered today for being one of John Huston's wives (she was also married to director Charles Vidor, who turned down the opportunity to make this picture).