The read
Audiences rate it 17 points higher than critics do. It runs a compact 1h 24m.
Synopsis
A popular singer, Marian Washburn, suddenly and unexplainably loses her voice, causing a shake-up at the club where she works. Her worried but loyal piano player, Luke Jordan, helps to promote a new, younger singer, Susan Caldwell, to temporarily replace Marian. Susan finds some early acclaim but decides to leave the club after a few performances. Soon after Susan quits, she is gunned down, and Marian quickly becomes a suspect.
Ratings
IMDb6/10
Rotten Tomatoes43%
Audiences rate it 17 points higher than critics do.
49 audience votes
Key crew
- Nicholas RayDirector
- Friedrich HollaenderOriginal Music Composer
- Herman J. MankiewiczScreenplay
Cast
- Maureen O'HaraMarian Washburn
- Melvyn DouglasLuke Jordan
- Gloria GrahameSusan Caldwell / Estrellita
- Bill WilliamsLee Crenshaw
- Victor JoryBrook Matthews
- Mary PhilipsMrs. Mary Fowler
- Jay C. FlippenPolice Insp. Jim Fowler
- Robert WarwickAssistant District Attorney Roberts
- Curt ConwayDoctor
- Ann ShoemakerMrs. Matthews, Brook's Mother
- Virginia FarmerMollie the Washburn Maid
- Ellen CorbyNurse who reads paper to Susan
Stills
Themes
film noirhospital