File on Thelma Jordon [Blu-ray]

I have waited for ages for the comercial release of this picture. Finally OliveFilms have released this outstanding Hal Wallis production from 1950 starring Barbara Stanwyck and Wendell Corey. Other reviewers have already commented the content of the film - so I only want to concentrate on the performances of Stanwyck and Corey, which are both outstanding although these fine actors are not the ideal match as partners in this movie. The image quality of this disc is excellent, but the sound shows strong distortions, which is very disappointing especially with regard to the wonderful music score by the great Victor Young. The sound problems are also unsatisfactory to european viewers, because the dialogues are pretty hard to understand. The disc contains no further extras.

Great story and Stanwyck is in it. What else do you need to know

I have been looking for this title in a suitable format for over three years since I caught a glimpse of it on TCM. It was well worth the wait. Stanwyck was excellent, as always, and I can't get enough of Wendell Corey. I read that previously available copies were less than watchable, but this transfer was very good, although I'm not sure that Blu-ray added that much. Excellent noir that I will watch over and over (much like Double Indemnity).

Robert Siodmak’s Final Film Noir features a terrific performance by film noir grande dame Barbara Stanwyck!

I clicked on the "Watch Now" button absentmindedly and found myself to have become an owner of a virtual copy of an old movie. DId not really mind too much and did not bother to return it because I liked the movie. However, there was no great price nor any other particular advantage in this transaction to me.

Barbara Stanwyck always delivers

I have seen so many movies that she played in, but she was a wonderful actress and a true movie star. She could do any role they gave her including dramas, comedies, etc. She was underrated, but in related she was a wonderful actress who was naturally talented. Beautiful lady, and a wonderful actress.

Robert Siodmak is a director of enormous talent who like Douglas Sirk and Nicholas Ray were, I believe, forced to make stupid movies that they had no sympathy with by Hollywood. Hollywood destroyed Nicholas Ray and Douglas Sirk abandoned film making altogether forty years before his death in disgust. Siodmak returned to Germany after the war and continued making good movies until his death (although, he also made some duds in Germany).Siodmak is remembered for The Killers (another excellent film noir) and the lousy The Spiral Staircase. At his best, he had great control of actors and groups of characters. He was the only director able to control hams like Charles Laughton and Victor Mature. Nobody was able to do this.This movie, like all his consistently brilliant film noirs is complex and excellently acted especially by Barbara Stanwyck. Like Sirk and Ray, at their best, he is in complete control. As in their films minor characters are just as fascinating and complex as the main characters. Note the characterization of the defense attorney who is not interested on whether Thelma Jordan killed her aunt. All her cares about is to win.Note how well the director stages the trial scenes occupying all realistically and dramatically into the scene. See how triumphantly the defense attorney escorts Thelma Jordon to the court through the throng of reporters that are pushing, asking questions and waving cameras in their faces.Siodmak is an underrated genius. Among his works you'll find very bad movies but when he is sympathetic to the material he is a genius as in this case.

I had never heard of this film before, and came across it by accident when researching film noir DVDsi in general. Glad I did! It's directed by Robert Siodmark, whose most famous movie is probably The Killers, starring Burt Lancaster in his first film. The File on Thelma Jordan definitely lives up to its blurb, ie, it 'is a romantic and unusual mystery with great performances and superior direction.' Barbara Stanwyck is highly watchable as usual, but I was equally impressed by Wendell Corey's performance as a bored Assistant DA, with a nice line in self-deprecating humour, who jumps at the chance to brighten up his alcoholic lifestyle with such an appealing, and seemingly adoring, femme fatale. Of course, nothing is as it appears to be, but I won't reveal the ending. Paul Kelly is also wonderful as the DA, and Joan Tetzel gives an understated but impressive performance as Wendell Corey's understanding wife (beautiful to look at as well). The real mystery here is why this film is never quoted in the Top Hundred List of Best Films.

I bought the DVD of this film (and by the way it's 'The File On Thelma Jordon' as can be seen on the picture) because I had seen it only once before, and remembered it as being very good. What I had forgotten, however, was the snappy script, and the flashes of humour at the beginning. I've never been a Barbara Stanwyck fan, except for Double Indemnity, but she was perfect for this part. It is intricately plotted and tense, and bears revisiting from time to time. My husband had never heard of it, but he trusted me when I recommended it, and he also enjoyed it.

Barbara being bad, but I liked her just the same. Thelma Jordan is another masterclass on how to be a calculating woman who gains the viewers sympathy within minutes of the films starting and right through Thelma's story you want her to get away with it. Barbara knew just how to achieve this affect by the brillance of her acting.This DVD release is a wonderfully clear print and worth adding to anyone collection who loves Missy and these film Noir movies.

Barbara Stanwyck always guarantees a strong, interesting performance. Wendell Corey, usually plays the solid, dependable, fella. Here, he starts this way with much to ground him - wife, child, respect from both his peers and the public - then Barbara happens.I will not say anymore - you must view and wait!!By the way, the people who design the wardrobe for Miss Stanwyck, know that straight lines without frills, etc., are the best way to allow her determined, sensuous, stride to be always on show.Enjoy!