Crown v. Stevens

Crown v. Stevens, antepenúltimo filme de Michael Powell antes de se unir a Pressburger, estreava há 85 anos no Reino Unido. Proto noir britânico, falta certa verve e cinismo do que se definiu no gênero do outro lado do Atlântico, mas é um bom exemplar da escola inglesa. Também marca uma das inúmeras parecerias de Powell com a grande Googie Withers. Rip no Karagarga.

The main point of interest is that it's an early directorial outing for Michael Powell, although truth be told, besides being competently assembled, it doesn't bear much of his stamp. Thomson clearly dominates the film, and it's a welcome shift when she becomes the focus in the second half. It was never intended to play outside of Britain, so it has more that a few elements that don't comply with the Production Code.

Only a quota quickie, but it's directed by Michael Powell so there are qualities about it. Mostly that cunning wife Beatrix Thomson and her unapologetic ways. Also her gold digging friend Googie Withers the short time she's there was gold! Add Davina Craig as the maid for laughs and you have a well cast film on the female side. Not so much on the male side as Patric Knowles was a terrific bore. Wish they'd done more for the climax, but otherwise it was a enjoyable little murder story.