The Film (4/5)

Mobster and heist man John Muller (Paul Henreid), is up to his neck in trouble. After robbing an illegal casino, the heist goes wrong and Muller is now on the run. Trying to lay low he takes an office job. During one of his errands, he is stopped by a man mistaking him for a famous doctor in the area. The resemblance is uncanny and Muller soon hatches a plan to make a clean escape for his life. But things get complicated when Muller starts to fall for the Doctor’s secretary, Evelyn (Joan Bennett).

THE SCAR (1948) was originally released under the title “Hollow Triumph”, based on the source novel by Murray Forbes. And luckily it was re-released under the title of THE SCAR, because there is nothing hollow about this picture. The whole film is a surprising well-crafted treat, with some fantastic performances by its two leads. For many years this movie has fallen into public domain, and has been released by many companies. Usually in muggy transfers and beat up prints. But finally, with this Blu-ray, I believe the movie finally gets a transfer that does it justice.

The film started off as a pet project for actor/ producer Paul Henreid (CASABLANCA, NOW VOYAGER), who wanted to make something special with this pot boiler. THE SCAR soon turned into a mini-noir classic that has a dark and speedy plot that is anything but paper thin. Henreid is enjoying every second as the broody and intense Muller. Unlike many of his better-known roles, he gets to play a more broken and sinister character who doesn’t quite find redemption in the end. Joan Bennett turns in an underrated performance and an ahead of its time feminist role as the secretary. Every line is delivered with complete command of attitude. Some of the best lines in the script come from Bennett, including a clever bit of coffee flirting. She shines in every scene and there’s even a hint of mystery that she would bring to the horror soap opera, DARK SHADOWS (1966-71).

Director Steve Sekely (DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS), brings style into every scene and handles all the characters with spot on posse. The cinematography by John Alton is some of the best I’ve seen in Noir films. The shadows and beams of light are spell bounding and the everyday scenes are filmed like a dramatic epic. The music by Sol Kaplan is also an unusual find and fits the film like a glove. But above all else is the film’s screenplay by Daniel Fuchs, who fills the smallest scenes with bits of business and foreshadow. The film’s pacing also flies by like machine gun fire, making this a quick watch.

Audio/Video (4/5)

THE SCAR comes with an English DTS-HD 2.0 channel Master Audio track. The sound mix is vivid and full of life. There’s no noticeable errors or background hiss. Dialogue is smooth and clear for a film of this vintage. It also includes English subtitles.

The 1080p HD picture is a little fuzzy in spots. There’s also some frame shaking during the first half of the film. The black levels are smooth and show off this classic film noir look for maximum effect. Overall a sharp and good-looking transfer.

Extras (3/5)

The main extra is an audio commentary by film historian Imoben Sara Smith. She keeps the track lively and full of information on this more obscure film. Also included is a trailer gallery featuring: 99 RIVER STREET, CRY OF THE CITY, SHIELD FOR MURDER, BOOMERRANG, and HE RAN ALL THE WAY.

Overall (4/5)

THE SCAR turned out to be one of the more satisfying film noir films to hit Blu-ray in recent years. All the elements fit into place and I quickly turned around and watched it a second time. Unfairly obscure, THE SCAR is ready to find a new audience with this Blu-ray from Kino. Highly Recommended.