Fallen Angel Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A slick drifter tries to swindle a rich spinster to impress a diner waitress, only for the waitress to get murdered, turning his gold-digging scheme into a ‘who-dun-it’ where he’s the prime suspect.

🍿 Fallen Angel: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Drifter’s Arrival in Walton

Eric Stanton (Dana Andrews), a cynical and penniless press agent, finds himself stranded in the quiet coastal town of Walton after being thrown off a bus. He quickly gravitates to “Pop’s Eats” diner, where he becomes instantly captivated by Stella (Linda Darnell), a stunningly beautiful and worldly waitress who holds the attention of nearly every man in town. Stella, however, makes it clear that she’s only interested in financial security and a life beyond Walton.

A Scheme for Fortune and a Fateful Marriage

Desperate to win Stella’s affections, Eric aligns himself with Professor Madley, a traveling charlatan psychic. Through this connection, Eric learns about the wealthy Mills sisters, Clara and June. He devises a cunning plan: to romance and marry the seemingly naive June (Alice Faye) for her inheritance, then quickly secure a financial settlement to fulfill Stella’s materialistic desires. Despite the strong disapproval of June’s protective older sister, Clara, Eric’s persuasive charm leads June to fall for him.

The Wedding Night and a Tragic Discovery

Eric and June marry and return to Walton. On their wedding night, Eric secretly attempts to meet Stella, who rebuffs him, having another engagement. He returns to June, who patiently awaits him. However, the very next morning, Stella is found murdered, sending shockwaves through the small town. Mark Judd (Charles Bickford), a retired New York police detective now living in Walton, takes charge of the investigation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Eric Stanton (Dana Andrews): A penniless drifter and cynical con man who schemes to marry for money but finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation.
• Stella (Linda Darnell): A beautiful and materialistic diner waitress who is the object of many men’s desires, including Eric’s, and is later mysteriously murdered.
• June Mills (Alice Faye): A wealthy, cultured, and initially naive spinster whom Eric marries for her money, but who later shows unwavering loyalty and helps clear his name.
• Mark Judd (Charles Bickford): A brutal and aggressive retired New York detective who takes charge of Stella’s murder investigation and immediately suspects Eric.
• Clara Mills (Anne Revere): June’s controlling and suspicious older sister who distrusts Eric from the start and vehemently opposes his marriage to her wealthy sibling.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• June Mills: “We were born to tread the earth as angels, to seek out heaven this side of the sky. But they who race above shall stumble in the dark, and fall from grace.” – June says this to Eric, quoting from a book, to express her belief in his potential for good and the theme of human fallibility and redemption.
• Eric Stanton: “Right out of a book, again.” – Eric responds cynically to June’s earnest and somewhat idealistic pronouncements, highlighting his jaded view of life and relationships.
• Stella: “You can’t afford me.” – Stella bluntly tells Eric this when he first attempts to flirt with her, making it clear that her affections are tied to financial stability and setting up his desperate scheme.
• Stella: “I like it.” – Stella’s curt reply when someone comments on how often the same song plays on the jukebox, underscoring her tough, indifferent, and somewhat weary personality.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,075,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Fallen Angel Reviews

Personal Review

I finally got around to watching ‘Fallen Angel’ and was totally pulled into its dark, simmering world. Dana Andrews as Eric Stanton is just that perfect mix of charming scoundrel and desperate man; you can’t quite root for him, but you can’t look away either. Linda Darnell as Stella absolutely owns every scene she’s in – her allure is palpable, making it easy to see why all the men are obsessed with her. The cinematography really blew me away, especially those shadowy diner scenes and the foggy coastal town atmosphere. It felt genuinely noir, dripping with tension and a sense of impending doom. While the plot’s twists sometimes felt a little convenient towards the end, the journey was so captivating, especially watching Eric try to untangle himself from the murder while juggling his dishonest intentions. It’s definitely a film that sticks with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Film Noir enthusiasts”
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood crime thrillers”
  • “Mystery and detective story aficionados”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven psychological dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate Otto Preminger’s directorial style”
  • “Fans of Dana Andrews, Linda Darnell, and Alice Faye”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Thematic elements of deception and manipulation”
  • “Contains depictions of police brutality and harsh interrogations (reflecting the period)”
  • “Suggestive sexuality and themes of promiscuity (for its era)”
  • “Explores darker aspects of human nature and obsession”

Professional Reviews

• The Noir Sentinel: “Otto Preminger’s ‘Fallen Angel’ is a moody, visual feast that solidifies its place as an underappreciated noir gem. Joseph LaShelle’s cinematography bathes the small-town setting in chiaroscuro, masterfully complementing Linda Darnell’s raw, magnetic performance as Stella. While the plot has its quirks, the film’s atmospheric tension and Dana Andrews’s compelling anti-hero make for a gripping experience. It might not overshadow ‘Laura,’ but it stands tall on its own merits, especially for its stylistic prowess.
• Classic Film Commentary: “‘Fallen Angel’ offers a fascinating, albeit flawed, exploration of obsession and deceit. Dana Andrews delivers a layered performance as the cynical Eric Stanton, navigating a morally ambiguous world. While Linda Darnell captivates as the alluring Stella, Alice Faye’s dramatic turn, though brave, feels somewhat sidelined by studio cuts. The pacing can occasionally meander, and some character motivations strain credibility. Yet, the film’s strong atmosphere and unexpected twists ensure it leaves a haunting impression.

Audience Reactions

The captivating allure of Linda Darnell’s Stella, drawing everyone into her orbit.: Many viewers praise the film’s strong noir atmosphere, Joseph LaShelle’s moody cinematography, and the compelling performances, especially Linda Darnell’s portrayal of Stella.

The surprising and satisfying resolution of the murder mystery.: Audiences appreciate the intricate plotting and unexpected twists in the murder investigation, keeping them guessing until the very end.

Overall Consensus: ‘Fallen Angel’ is a compelling, atmospheric film noir that, despite some plot contrivances, offers strong performances and a captivating mystery, making it a valuable entry in the genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alice Faye, a major musical star at the time, was so displeased with how her role was cut down in favor of Linda Darnell’s by director Otto Preminger and studio head Darryl F. Zanuck that she left 20th Century Fox the day after a preview screening and did not make another film for 16 years. This led to her successful career in radio with ‘The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show’.”
• “The film’s memorable theme song, ‘Slowly’, played repeatedly on the diner’s jukebox, was composed by David Raksin, who also wrote the iconic theme for Preminger’s previous film, ‘Laura’. Alice Faye was originally meant to sing it on screen, but her scene was cut.”
• “The author of the source novel, Marty Holland, whose real name was Mary, mysteriously vanished after 1949 and was never heard from again.”
• “Despite directing the film and it being a follow-up to his hit ‘Laura’, Otto Preminger reportedly claimed later in his career that he couldn’t even remember ‘Fallen Angel’ when asked about it.”

🖥️ How to Watch Fallen Angel?

While ‘Fallen Angel’ (1945) may not be readily available on major streaming subscription services, it is a highly sought-after classic film noir for purchase or rent. You can typically find it available for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube. Physical media enthusiasts can often find the film on DVD or Blu-ray from retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, or specialty film distributors like Criterion Collection, which released a version with enhanced features. Check these platforms for the best viewing options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Fallen Angel, you might like these similar films:

• Laura (1944): Shares the same director (Otto Preminger), lead actor (Dana Andrews), cinematographer (Joseph LaShelle), and composer (David Raksin), exploring similar themes of obsession and a mysterious woman.
• Double Indemnity (1944): A quintessential film noir featuring a cynical protagonist, a seductive femme fatale, and a murder plot driven by illicit passion and the pursuit of money.
• The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946): Features a drifter who becomes embroiled in a passionate affair and a murder plot with a femme fatale, characteristic of many classic noirs with themes of desire and greed.
• Body Heat (1981): A highly acclaimed neo-noir that updates the classic femme fatale and con-man elements for a contemporary setting, capturing the same dark, seductive atmosphere and twisted plot.
• Detour (1945): A raw, low-budget cult classic film noir depicting a drifter caught in a spiraling web of misfortune and crime, offering a grittier, more existential take on the noir protagonist’s plight.

🛒 Fallen Angel Related Products

• Fallen Angel (The Criterion Collection Blu-ray): Experience Otto Preminger’s shadowy noir masterpiece in stunning high-definition, meticulously restored with bonus features, including critical essays and director interviews.
• Film Noir: The Dark Side of Cinema III (Blu-ray Box Set): Dive deeper into the world of classic noir with this collection featuring ‘Fallen Angel’ and other compelling films from the golden age of dark cinema. Includes multiple films that define the genre’s aesthetic and themes.
• The File on Thelma Jordan & Fallen Angel (Marty Holland Novels): Discover the original literary works behind ‘Fallen Angel’ and ‘The File on Thelma Jordan’ by the enigmatic author Marty Holland. These paperback editions delve into the raw, dark narratives that inspired the screenplays.
• Fallen Angel Vintage Movie Poster (Reproduction): Adorn your space with a high-quality reproduction of the original ‘Fallen Angel’ movie poster, featuring its iconic black and white aesthetic and dramatic imagery.

🎧 Soundtrack

Fallen Angel features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Slowly” – performed by Dick Haymes

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Fallen Angel

Ever wondered about the classic film noir ‘Fallen Angel’? This video, though short, is categorized as a movie analysis and shares the exact title, suggesting it could offer a quick, intriguing take on the film. I’m curious what insights it might pack!

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