Lured Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A plucky American dancer goes undercover for Scotland Yard to catch a serial killer who exclusively uses newspaper personals and writes bad poetry, proving that even psychopaths can be social media savvy… just with less convenient platforms.

🍿 Lured: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Poet Killer’s Reign of Terror

London is gripped by fear as a mysterious serial killer, infamously dubbed the ‘Poet Killer,’ targets young women. This elusive murderer employs the personal advertisement columns of newspapers to lure his victims, consistently sending cryptic, Baudelaire-inspired poems to Scotland Yard before each heinous crime. The police find themselves baffled by the killer’s cunning methods and the lack of substantial leads, struggling to contain the city’s growing panic.

Sandra Carpenter: An Unexpected Undercover Agent

The investigation takes a personal turn for American dancer Sandra Carpenter (Lucille Ball) when her friend and fellow performer, Lucy Barnard, mysteriously disappears, presumed to be the killer’s latest victim. Recognizing Sandra’s sharp wit and resilience, Inspector Harley Temple (Charles Coburn) of Scotland Yard makes an unconventional proposition: Sandra is enlisted to go undercover. Her dangerous mission is to answer suspicious personal ads, acting as bait to draw the cunning killer out into the open.

Navigating Peril and Finding Romance

As Sandra bravely steps into her role as bait, she encounters a bizarre and perilous array of characters. These include an unsettling, eccentric dress designer named Charles van Druten (Boris Karloff) and figures involved in illicit smuggling operations, such as Dr. Nicholas Moryani (Joseph Calleia). Amidst these tense and often dangerous assignments, Sandra’s path crosses with the charming and wealthy nightclub owner, Robert Fleming (George Sanders). Their burgeoning romance introduces a complex layer to her already perilous undercover work.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sandra Carpenter (Lucille Ball): The resourceful American dancer who volunteers to act as bait for a serial killer in London.
• Inspector Harley Temple (Charles Coburn): The determined Scotland Yard inspector who enlists Sandra’s help to catch the elusive ‘Poet Killer’.
• Robert Fleming (George Sanders): The charming and wealthy nightclub owner who becomes Sandra’s love interest and a prime suspect in the murder investigation.
• Julian Wilde (Cedric Hardwicke): Robert Fleming’s business partner, whose eccentricities and secretive nature make him a key suspect in the serial killings.
• Charles van Druten (Boris Karloff): An eccentric and deranged former fashion designer who becomes one of Sandra’s peculiar encounters and a prominent red herring.
• Officer H. R. Barrett (George Zucco): The quirky plain-clothes policeman assigned to protect Sandra and assist her with her undercover work.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sandra Carpenter: “What is it tonight? A sweepstakes for zombies? I hope you two will be very happy.” – Said sarcastically to her colleague while working as a taxi dancer, expressing her weariness with the unappealing clientele.
• Sandra Carpenter: “My I.Q., it Must’ve Been Flying At Half-Mast.” – A self-deprecating remark from Sandra, reflecting on a situation where she might have been naive or made a misjudgment.
• Sandra Carpenter: “He couldn’t have done it. He was so gentle with me. He’s good… A woman knows. She can tell by the touch of a man’s hand, by a kiss.” – Sandra’s emotional and somewhat naive declaration of faith in Robert Fleming’s innocence after he is accused, highlighting her belief in romantic intuition over logic.
• Killer (implied): “In England, we musn’t dirty our hands while killing, musn’t we?” – A sardonic observation on the seemingly ‘bloodless’ and ‘dignified’ nature of murders, reflecting the killer’s urbane and sophisticated approach.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $700,000
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Lured Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so *Lured* was way different from what I expected, especially seeing Lucille Ball in a dramatic role! I only know her from ‘I Love Lucy,’ so this was a wild ride. She was surprisingly compelling as Sandra, tough and smart, and I was genuinely rooting for her when she was playing bait. The scene with Boris Karloff as the deranged fashion designer was utterly bizarre and unforgettable – a real highlight that made me laugh and cringe at the same time. While the mystery itself had some moments where I guessed ahead, the overall atmosphere and the constant feeling of danger kept me hooked. It’s got that classic noir vibe with shadowy London streets, but also some lighter moments that felt uniquely Sirk. Definitely worth a watch if you’re curious to see Lucy in a whole new light!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood crime thrillers and mysteries.”
  • “Viewers interested in dramatic roles from comedic actors, especially Lucille Ball’s pre-‘I Love Lucy’ work.”
  • “Those who appreciate films with a strong ensemble cast, featuring seasoned actors like George Sanders, Boris Karloff, and Charles Coburn.”
  • “Admirers of director Douglas Sirk’s early work and his distinct atmospheric filmmaking style.”
  • “Individuals who enjoy suspenseful whodunits with psychological elements and unexpected twists.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of serial murder and implied violence (though not graphically depicted).”
  • “Exploration of psychological themes including obsession and madness.”
  • “Depictions of white slavery (handled euphemistically for the era).”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb User Review: “For fans who only know Ms. Ball as the ‘dizzy redhead,’ *Lured* is a revelation. She shines in a non-comedy role, showing off her dramatic range and stunning beauty. Backed by a stellar ensemble including Sanders, Karloff, and Coburn, the film delivers a solid mystery where Ball acts as compelling bait. Despite a somewhat obvious killer, it’s fascinating to see her in this genre, proving she deserved more such roles. A truly enjoyable watch that will surprise those unfamiliar with her early career.
• IMDb User Review: “Douglas Sirk masterfully crafts a wonderfully atmospheric London, full of fog and menace, in this underrated thriller. Lucille Ball delivers a surprisingly strong dramatic performance, balancing moments of tension with her natural charm. The film keeps you guessing with its twists and turns, even if the killer might be hinted at earlier than expected. With memorable cameos, particularly Boris Karloff’s eccentric designer, and a professional quality throughout, it’s a compelling watch for mystery fans. Sirk’s early directorial prowess truly shines, setting a mood that pulls you in.

Audience Reactions

Lucille Ball’s unexpected dramatic performance as a clever, feisty decoy blew viewers away.: Many viewers praised the strong ensemble cast, the moody London atmosphere, and the intricate plot twists, even if some found the killer’s identity predictable. The film’s unique blend of mystery and melodrama, alongside unexpected comedic moments, was frequently cited as its strength.

Overall Consensus: Lured is a surprisingly engaging and stylish mystery thriller, notable for Lucille Ball’s impressive dramatic turn and a strong supporting cast, offering a unique blend of suspense and character study.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s original title, ‘Lured,’ was changed to ‘Personal Column’ midway through its U.S. theatrical release by the Production Code Administration, who thought ‘lured’ sounded too much like ‘lurid.’ Director Douglas Sirk believed this confused audiences and contributed to the film’s box-office failure.”
• “Despite being set in London, the entire film was shot on an indoor set in Hollywood, California, rather than on location.”
• “Lured is an American remake of the 1939 French film ‘Pièges’ (also known as ‘Personal Column’), which starred Maurice Chevalier and Erich von Stroheim.”
• “Lucille Ball takes on a rare dramatic lead role in this film, showcasing her talents before her global fame as a comedic icon in ‘I Love Lucy.'”
• “Boris Karloff has a memorable, albeit brief, cameo as a demented fashion designer, a role that allowed him to deliver a highly eccentric and unsettling performance.”

🖥️ How to Watch Lured?

While ‘Lured’ (1947) may not be readily available on major subscription streaming services like Netflix or Hulu, it can often be found on niche classic film platforms or through digital rental/purchase. Currently, the film is noted to be streaming on the ‘Filipina in a Foreign Land’ YouTube Channel (with Portuguese subtitles) and the ‘Full Moon Matinee’ YouTube Channel. For direct purchase or rental options, search Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or other digital storefronts, as availability can vary by region. Classic film enthusiasts may also find it on DVD/Blu-ray through retailers like Kino Lorber or Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Lured, you might like these similar films:

• Sea of Love (1989): This modern thriller features a similar premise of a serial killer luring victims through newspaper personal ads, explicitly referenced by reviewers as being ‘somewhat copied’ from ‘Lured.’
• Pièges (1939): This is the original French film upon which ‘Lured’ is a direct American remake, offering a fascinating comparison of the source material.
• Phantom Lady (1944): A classic film noir from the same era, it shares themes of mystery, psychological suspense, and a determined protagonist unraveling a complex criminal plot.
• The Spiral Staircase (1946): A highly acclaimed psychological thriller featuring a serial killer who targets women, creating a tense atmosphere of dread and suspicion, appealing to fans of psychological suspense.
• The Blue Dahlia (1946): A quintessential film noir with a complex mystery, a dark atmosphere, and a protagonist caught in a web of deceit, appealing to fans of classic crime dramas.

🛒 Lured Related Products

• Film Noir: The Essential Collection (Blu-ray): Dive into the shadowy world of classic Hollywood with this curated collection of essential film noir masterpieces. Featuring iconic directors and compelling storylines, this set captures the genre’s defining mood and style.
• Lucille Ball: The Complete RKO Comedy & Drama Collection: Explore the versatile career of Lucille Ball beyond her iconic sitcom. This collection features her earlier dramatic and comedic roles from her RKO years, showcasing her range as a leading lady.
• Vintage Lured (1947) Movie Poster Print: A high-quality reproduction of the original theatrical movie poster for *Lured*. This vintage artwork captures the film’s mysterious and alluring atmosphere, perfect for cinephiles and collectors.
• The Works of Charles Baudelaire: The Flowers of Evil (English Translation): A timeless collection of poetry by the influential French poet Charles Baudelaire, specifically ‘Les Fleurs du mal.’ Known for its dark, aesthetic exploration of modern urban life, beauty, and decay.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “All For Love” – performed by Annette Warren

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

POV Ballerina Cappucina lured the big boys, but… I Italian Brainrot | Incredibox Sprunki

Ever wondered what ‘Italian Brainrot’ means? This wildly popular short clip, despite being completely unrelated to the classic Walter Mitty film, has exploded online with millions of views. It’s a quick peek into a bizarre corner of internet culture that you might find surprisingly catchy!

He was lured into a trap… | #TheRookie (SPOILERS!)

Curious about dramatic police procedurals? This intense clip from ‘The Rookie’ has captivated millions and shows a high-stakes moment where a character is lured into a trap. While it’s not from Walter Mitty, it’s a genuinely gripping scene that’s worth a quick watch if you like suspense!

POV Ballerina Cappucina lured the BIG boys, BUT in the end😱 | Italian Brainrot – #incrediboxsprunki

Dive deeper into the ‘Italian Brainrot’ phenomenon with another massively viral clip! This one, also featuring the infamous Ballerina Cappucina, pulls in millions of viewers with its unique, chaotic energy. It’s a prime example of internet virality, even if it has absolutely nothing to do with Danny Kaye!

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