I Wake Up Screaming Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cop with a weird obsession for a dead model frames an innocent promoter because…reasons.

🍿 I Wake Up Screaming: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Discovery and Murder

Frankie Christopher, a promoter, discovers Vicky Lynn, a waitress, and transforms her into a society sensation. He makes a bet with his friends Robin Ray and Larry Evans. Vicky’s sudden rise attracts attention, but she is murdered just as she’s about to leave for Hollywood. Frankie becomes the prime suspect.

The Obsessive Inspector

Inspector Ed Cornell is determined to pin the murder on Frankie, relentlessly pursuing him despite a lack of concrete evidence. Frankie, maintaining his innocence, finds an unlikely ally in Vicky’s sister, Jill, who initially disapproved of his involvement with Vicky but has now fallen in love with Frankie.

Desperate Measures

Cornell’s relentless pursuit forces Frankie and Jill into hiding. Realizing they must find the real killer to clear Frankie’s name, they begin their own investigation, navigating a web of suspects and hidden motives. Their investigation leads them to Harry Williams, a switchboard operator, and ultimately to a disturbing revelation about Cornell’s obsession.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Frankie Christopher (Victor Mature): A cocky sports promoter who becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a model he discovered.
• Jill Lynn (Betty Grable): The level-headed sister of the murdered model who falls in love with the prime suspect and helps him clear his name.
• Ed Cornell (Laird Cregar): An obsessive police inspector determined to railroad Frankie Christopher for a murder he may not have committed.
• Vicky Lynn (Carole Landis): A beautiful but ungrateful model who is murdered on the eve of her departure to Hollywood.
• Harry Williams (Elisha Cook Jr.): The odd and twitchy switchboard operator with a secret infatuation for Vicky.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ed Cornell: “I’ll follow you into your grave. I’ll write my name on your tombstone.” – Cornell says this menacingly to Frankie, foreshadowing his relentless pursuit and obsession.
• Vicky Lynn: “I’ve got about as much privacy as a lingerie mannequin!” – Vicky complains about the lack of privacy after her sudden rise to fame, highlighting her dissatisfaction.
• Ed Cornell: “It can be done.” – Cornell’s nihilistic response when discussing if it’s possible to continue living without hope after Vicky’s death.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $462,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 I Wake Up Screaming Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed “I Wake Up Screaming.” Laird Cregar’s performance is incredibly creepy and captivating and elevates the film beyond your average film noir. The ending was a bit of a surprise, and I loved the overall atmosphere. I found myself completely drawn into the world, which is a testament to the film’s quality. Betty Grable was also very nice to watch and added more to the story than expected. Laird Cregar is the standout, though.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic film noir”
  • “Viewers interested in early detective mysteries”
  • “Those who enjoy suspenseful thrillers with plot twists”
  • “People interested in the acting of Betty Grable, Victor Mature, and Laird Cregar”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Murder”
  • “Obsessive behavior”
  • “Suicide”
  • “Some dated attitudes”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “A tight thriller with some fantastic uses of shadows and an unsettling performance from Laird Cregar. Mature is perfect as the framed protagonist. Very enjoyable early noir.
• IMDb: “Cregar rocks in the role with a silky voice and charming smile somehow making him even scarier; no wonder IWUS put him on the map. Mature’s Frankie is a great match for Cregar’s Cornell, with his outer charm and inner toughness.
• IMDb: “The film contains some errors and improbabilities, but these do not seriously detract from the viewer’s enjoyment. Watch for gentle little gags involving latch keys, a Tootsie Roll, the girl at the Lido Plunge and a fold-away bed.

Audience Reactions

Laird Cregar’s unsettling performance made the movie stand out from similar films.: Cregar’s portrayal of the obsessive Inspector Cornell is considered a highlight.

The sharp, witty dialogue kept viewers engaged throughout the film.: The clever writing and comic relief added a unique touch to the noir genre.

Overall Consensus: A visually striking early film noir with a memorable performance by Laird Cregar.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The writers used the name “Cornell” for the obsessive cop played by Laird Cregar as a tribute to noir writer Cornell Woolrich.”
• “The film was originally titled “Hot Spot”, referring to the electric chair, a detail mentioned early in the movie during Frankie’s interrogation.”

🖥️ How to Watch I Wake Up Screaming?

I Wake Up Screaming is available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for possible streaming options on subscription services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed I Wake Up Screaming, you might like these similar films:

• Laura (1944): Both films feature a detective becoming obsessed with a dead woman and a similar focus on the impact of a beautiful woman’s image.
• The Lodger (1944): Laird Cregar gives equally memorable, unnerving performance. Focus on suspense and psychological elements.
• This Gun for Hire (1942): Another early noir from 1942 featuring Laird Cregar in a memorable supporting role.
• Chinatown (1974): Features a dark mystery with corruption and obsession.

🛒 I Wake Up Screaming Related Products

• The Film Noir: From Berlin to Sin City: A comprehensive guide to film noir, perfect for diving deeper into the genre.
• Betty Grable: The Pin-Up Girl Who Seduced a Nation: Dive into the life of Betty Grable with this fascinating biography!
• Film Noir: The Dark Side of Hollywood (4-Disc Collection): A DVD collection of iconic film noir titles, often including “I Wake Up Screaming”.
• Laird Cregar: A Hollywood Tragedy: Uncover the story of the tragic life and career of Laird Cregar, whose performance in I Wake Up Screaming is considered a highlight.

🎧 Soundtrack

I Wake Up Screaming features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Street Scene” – performed by Alfred Newman
• “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – performed by Judy Garland

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

🤨 FAQ

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