The Scar Review

Overall 4.00 of 5 (by 1 user)

GeorgeChabot
Conyers, GA

A guy trying to get something for nothing: The Scar

Movie guru, Film noir guru, fan of clever plots, admirer of great storytelling, Lover of quirky, unique films, cult film connoisseur

Pros

Paul Henreid, Joan Bennett, Story

Cons

Not better known

NOV

2008

The Scar (1948)

The Scar is a film that has slipped into the public domain. It is reasonably well preserved for a movie that is over a half century old.

The Scar is a real classic, starring Paul Henreid (Casablanca). After Casablanca, he realized he had seen his best days in the major studios so he began making his own films as producer and star.

In The Scar, he is a brilliant man who is lazy and would rather steal money than work for it. As the film opens, we are given a voice-over that lists his impressive accomplishments, medical school, etc., then we realize it is a parole officer reading and Henreid is being considered for parole from prison.

He is released and given a job to report to, but once on his own he immediately seeks his old crowd and reestablishes himself as the leader. After a short time he announces a new caper - they will rob an illegal gambling joint he knows, and the plan sounds workable, except like most capers, things do not go according to plan.

The robbery miscues and two of the gang are captured. They rat out Henreid and the other guy, thinking they will be allowed to walk away. The ones they robbed are the Stansyck gang - known for their long memory and willingness to go to any lengths to get even. Henreid and the other guy split up; in fact, Henreid goes and reports to the job he was recommended for. This keeps him under wraps long enough to make some more plans.

Henreid becomes aware through a chance encounter that he is a double for a very successful psychiatrist, who has a prominent scar on one cheek. Once he finds this is on the level he begins to scheme how he can take the place of this other man, as this will allow him to hide in plain sight. He begins to diligently work toward this goal, aided by the doctor's beautiful secretary (Joan Bennett - Scarlet Street). I'll let you watch how the rest plays out yourself, but I will tell you that it is ironic how things work out.

Directed by Steve Sekely, The Scar benefits from the legendary noir cinematography of John Alton, who was among the very best. Of course, with a cast headed up by beautiful noir femme Joan Bennett and a dual role by Paul Henreid, it makes for a compelling little suspense movie that should be better known.

Last edited on Nov 13, 2008

The Scar is recommended by GeorgeChabot

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Comments about GeorgeChabot’s Review

You may be right, but this type of film emphasizes that. ;>

Hmm, don't most guys try to get something for nothing? *runs and hides*

In response to Jo's comment from Nov 14, 2008 at 6:02PM:

You're welcome, Jo!

In response to GeorgeChabot's comment from Nov 14, 2008 at 2:59PM:

I'm sure they still love you, and miss you! Well, I'm offline for a while now to bolt over to the 7/11! Well, maybe I'll just WALK, haha!

I'll start making a list. I would never have found this one. Thanks!

In response to AnnaBanana's comment from Nov 14, 2008 at 2:51PM:

Thanks, Anna. They were both great but who knows why they were not bigger? The movie biz is not necessarily fair. Thanks about the not revealing too much. I prefer reviews that give some good reasons to see something but do not necessarily tell too much. I like to be surprised and so do a lot of other people. Thanks much and my dog Fifi thanks you too. The other dogs were mine but now belong to an ex wife. ;> I still love the little pups, though!

In response to LaurieM's comment from Nov 14, 2008 at 12:15PM:

Thanks, Laurie! ;>

Ahoy, Joan Bennett and Paul Henreid -- it's been a long time since they have been appreciated enough! I never heard of this film (that I can remember) and it sure sounds fascinating. I like your reviews because you don't give TOO much away. Take care, George, and kiss Fifi and your other doggies for me!