Velvet Touch, The

"The Velvet Touch" is one of those movies I like to revisit occasionally, even though it's silly and improbable. The actress played by Rosalind Russell is believable enough, though. And Sidney Greenstreet, as a police detective assigned to the case when Roz's manager/ex-lover is murdered (in the first scene), is just wonderful. The movie would be pretty flat without him. The viewer knows from the beginning who did the deed; the suspense comes from the actress's panicked efforts to evade discovery, and her feelings of guilt when a fellow actress is suspected of the crime.Rosalind Russell was one of the screen's all time best comediennes. Her sense of comic timing, the elastic face, the gift for physical comedy -- this is why she excelled in movies such as "His Girl Friday," "The Women," and "Auntie Mame." When she played "dramatic" roles, she tended to go all blank and mask-like, and we see plenty of that in "The Velvet Touch." The brief scenes we are allowed to witness of her playing in a "serious" role (Ibsen's"Hedda Gabler") only demonstrate how right her manager/ex-lover had been to present her in comedies -- although, the scenes we see of one of those so-called sophisticated comedies which were her specialty are just plain deadly, like something from Ford's Theater! So one can understand Roz's actress/heroine wanting to flee her manager and those plays. But the pleasure of watching a movie like Velvet Touch is in such inconsistencies. The cat and mouse game between Roz and Sidney Greenstreet is at the heart of the story and is, finally, what makes it so much fun to watch.

Val Stanton (Russell) is a famous "light" actress who yearns to play a dramatic role. Her jealous producer (Leon Ames), however, tries to blackmail her into staying with him, and in a fit of anguish, she kills him. All fingers point to Claire Trevor and she is accused of the crime. When the detective (Sydney Greenstreet) closes the case, Val tries to enjoy her newfound freedom in her career and her love, but she is too haunted by guilt. This is the best synopsis of this fine film noir. Allow me this....Rosalind Russell, Claire Trevor, Leo Genn, Sydney Greenstreet.....dream cast of 1948! If you look hard you will see other familiar faces....there is not much in the way of overacting (just a brief moment or two) so this is a fine film with twists and a few turns....I recommend this most wholeheartedly to all my fellow Noir fans and any fan of fine older movies.

In excellent shape. Great movie and received on time. Very pleased.

I enjoyed seeing this again after many years. enjoyed the drama, the sometimes hammy acting, but most, the honesty of the performance by Claire trevor who (because of too many female stars at the studio) got too few parts in films she could sink her teeth into. yes, she got an Oscar for key largo. not enough.

One of my ultimate favorite movies. I am so glad I was able to find it. Thank you

For me the fascination is watching this film as a precursor to ALL ABOUT EVE. Dan Tobin in George Sanders' role, Leo Genn even physically resembling Gary Merrill a bit, etc. Leon Ames never looked better (also with physical hints of Merrill but with Hugh Marlowe's rakish coif). Roz didn't seem right for the part at first, but she handles it well as the plot continues to parboil. But it's also fun to pick out other familiar faces in the cast, including an Apple Annie newsie who'd all but stolen BORN TO KILL from Claire Trevor (fine and wrought here as always) the previous year.

A classic film in my personal collection. Well acted by a veteran cast of high level people. I recommend this seldom seen movie.

One of Rosalinda Russel’s best films!!!

An actress (Rosalind Russell) unintentionally kills her producer and lover (Leon Ames) when he attacks her after she tells him she is leaving him for another man (Leo Genn). She gets away with the killing but her conscience begins to trouble her especially when another woman (Claire Trevor) is suspected of the murder. Though one can't exactly call it a murder mystery since we know who the murderess is from the very beginning, the film nonetheless keeps us in suspense as to whether or not she will break down and confess. Being a 1940s Hollywood film, we can be fairly sure of the outcome but the film is greatly aided by its backdrop, the world of the Broadway theater which gives the film a unique touch. Russell is suitably neurotic, Trevor does her usual spot on bruised woman number and Sydney Greenstreet is a delight as the police inspector investigating the case with a taste for fine food and good theater. Yet one can't help feel that it could have been better. But where does the blame go? Perhaps to director John Gage whose only film this is. With Martha Hyer, Lex Barker, Frank McHugh, Theresa Harris, Esther Howard and Dan Tobin.The Odeon DVD is an adequate B&W transfer in the proper 1.37 aspect ratio.

A good old fashioned melodrama with an excellent cast. The DVD is clearly taken from a video source and not a film print as it's not of the best quality. It's certainly watchable although the soundtrack has been "worked on" and there are often worrying sections of silent and dead acoustics between the dialogue. Still, it's the only version around and beggars can't be choosers. Mine arrived in a smashed and ripped case but fortunately the disc was undamaged. Recommended.

great film with lots of drama and brill actingo on a bit to long but not this on g I love vintage movies it keeps you interested and its not to long.some old movies go on a bit but not this one......

Happy with seller. Delighted with DVD Velvet Touch. I Like old movies from the 1940s and 50s and thoroughly enjoyed this one. Good plot great acting. Loved it.

Great film that is rarely if ever shown on TV. Many thanks for getting to me, and very quickly, too!