Somewhere in the Night Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Amnesiac soldier hunts for his forgotten friend ‘Larry Cravat’ and accidentally finds Nazi money, murder, and the increasingly awkward possibility that *he* is Larry Cravat.

🍿 Somewhere in the Night: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Amnesia and a Mysterious Past

Emerging from a military hospital after severe injuries, a soldier finds himself with complete amnesia. He is given the name George Taylor but has no memory of who he is or his past life before the war. His only possessions offer cryptic clues rather than answers.

Following the Crumbs: The Search for Larry Cravat

Armed with a couple of letters found among his belongings, including one mentioning a friend named Larry Cravat and a substantial sum of money, George travels to Los Angeles. He begins a desperate search for Cravat, believing this mysterious figure holds the key to his lost identity. His investigation leads him through various seedy parts of the city.

Allies and Antagonists Emerge

While following leads, George encounters both potential allies and dangerous enemies. He meets Christy Smith, a sympathetic nightclub singer who decides to help him, and her boss Mel Phillips. However, he also runs afoul of thugs and other shadowy figures who seem just as determined to find Larry Cravat, often resorting to violence to stop George’s search.

Involving the Police

Through Christy and Mel, George is introduced to Police Lt. Donald Kendall. The lieutenant reveals that Larry Cravat was a private investigator wanted in connection with a three-year-old murder and the disappearance of $2 million. This revelation plunges George deeper into danger, making him a target for those who believe he knows Cravat’s whereabouts or is somehow involved in the crime.

Unlocking the Witness

George receives information leading him to a man named Conroy, believed to be a witness to the original murder. Conroy was gravely injured and is now institutionalized in a sanatorium. George’s attempt to reach Conroy is fraught with peril and leads to a critical encounter that provides vital, albeit fragmented, pieces of the puzzle regarding the hidden money.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• George W. Taylor (John Hodiak): A WWII veteran suffering from amnesia who must uncover his identity while navigating a dangerous criminal plot involving missing money and murder.
• Christy Smith (Nancy Guild): A sympathetic nightclub singer who becomes George’s main ally and love interest in his search for the truth.
• Police Lt. Donald Kendall (Lloyd Nolan): A pragmatic police detective who provides George with crucial information about the Larry Cravat case and the missing money.
• Mel Phillips (Richard Conte): The seemingly helpful owner of the nightclub where Christy works, who is more deeply involved in the central crime than he initially appears.
• Anzelmo aka Dr. Oracle (Fritz Kortner): A sinister fortune teller and con artist who seeks Larry Cravat and the missing money, obstructing George’s investigation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Christy Smith: “In about two minutes, a bouncer is coming back in here with no sense of humor. He’s a foot bigger than you in all directions. That’s what I think.” – Christy uses sharp, direct language to warn George about the immediate danger he’s in after causing trouble in the club.
• Anzelmo aka Dr. Oracle: “You can’t believe anything I say, Mr. Taylor. I’m a charlatan, a faker. I deal in illusions. I have to.” – The fortune teller upfront tells George he is unreliable, setting a cynical and untrustworthy tone for their encounter.
• Phyllis: “Oh. We’re going to have repartee!” – Phyllis delivers this line with a playful, cynical air when engaging in sharp dialogue, highlighting her world-weary personality.
• Elizabeth Conroy: “Dawns are always grey… nights are black, and they’re all empty.” – Elizabeth delivers a poignant, melancholic reflection on her lonely life while speaking with George, providing an emotional moment divorced from the main plot.
• Police Lt. Donald Kendall: “And I’ve been wondering all day why movie detectives always keep their hats on.” – The Lieutenant breaks the fourth wall slightly with a dry, meta-commentary on film tropes while discussing the case with George and Christy.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $1,500,000
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Somewhere in the Night Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I settled in for this classic noir, and man, was I confused… but in a good way! Starting with the whole amnesia thing right after the war felt relatable, like finding your way back to a world that’s totally changed. I got really drawn into the main character’s search; you feel as lost as he does. That scene with the fortune teller was super creepy and atmospheric, and the visit to the sanatorium added a genuinely poignant moment that stuck with me, even if the plot felt like it was running in ten directions at once. Even though the ending felt a little rushed after all the buildup, I enjoyed the ride. It had that great noir look and feel, and the supporting characters kept things interesting. Definitely one to watch if you love trying to figure out twisty mysteries alongside the hero!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic film noir”
  • “Mystery and suspense enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in post-WWII cinema”
  • “Those who enjoy films with amnesia plots and plot twists”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and physical assault”
  • “Adult themes (crime, murder, deception)”
  • “Depiction of a sanitarium and mental illness”

Professional Reviews

• Film Noir Monthly: “Mankiewicz’s early noir delivers on atmosphere, immersing you in the dark, confusing world of Los Angeles nightlife and shadowy streets. While the plot spirals into near-incoherence at times, the journey is bolstered by a strong supporting cast. Lloyd Nolan is a standout as the dry, knowing detective. It’s a stylish, if sometimes frustrating, puzzle worth piecing together for genre aficionados.
• Classic Cinema Journal: “”Somewhere in the Night” captures the post-war disorientation with its amnesiac protagonist lost in a labyrinthine mystery. Hodiak is suitably bewildered, though perhaps too reserved, but Nancy Guild adds a necessary spark, even if her performance is uneven. The film’s visual style is its greatest asset, making the city itself a character. A talky but often intriguing watch.
• The Hollywood Review: “Despite a convoluted script that piles on red herring after red herring, Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s directorial debut shows flashes of his future brilliance, particularly in the sharp dialogue and character interactions (even if the plot doesn’t always support them). Richard Conte and Fritz Kortner chew scenery delightfully. An uneven but fascinating entry in the noir canon.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the classic noir atmosphere and shadowy visuals.: Many found the supporting cast, particularly Lloyd Nolan and Richard Conte, to be excellent and elevate the film despite the complex plot.

The mystery kept many viewers engaged, trying to piece together the identity and the crime.: Fans appreciated the moody cinematography and the way the film captured the feeling of post-war uncertainty and confusion.

Overall Consensus: A stylish but often confusing film noir that is appreciated by genre fans for its atmospheric visuals and strong supporting cast, despite a convoluted plot and some criticisms of the lead performance.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This was one of Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s earliest directorial efforts; sources differ on whether it was his first or second feature film directing job.”
• “The mysterious name ‘Larry Cravat’ is spoken a remarkable 85 times throughout the movie.”
• “Actress Nancy Guild, making her film debut, was reportedly discovered from a picture in Life magazine and signed to a Fox contract, with the studio attempting to groom her as a rival to Lauren Bacall.”
• “Early work on the script involved notable figures like W. Somerset Maugham and Lee Strasberg, though the final screenplay is credited to Howard Dimsdale and Joseph L. Mankiewicz.”
• “Filming locations in Los Angeles included the iconic Union Station and atmospheric areas evocative of Bunker Hill and Skid Row.”

🖥️ How to Watch Somewhere in the Night?

To watch the classic film noir ‘Somewhere in the Night’ (1946), check popular streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play Movies for digital rental or purchase options. The film is also available for streaming on specific YouTube channels dedicated to classic films, such as ‘AZIZA Official’ and ‘Classic Entertainment’. Always verify current availability on your preferred service.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Somewhere in the Night, you might like these similar films:

• The Maltese Falcon (1941): Shares a core structure involving a complex web of shady characters all chasing a valuable object (or money) and a protagonist navigating a confusing mystery where trust is scarce.
• Dark Passage (1947): Features a protagonist with amnesia and a reconstructed face, struggling to regain his identity and clear his name while on the run, similar to George Taylor’s predicament.
• The Big Sleep (1946): A quintessential film noir released in the same year, known for its convoluted, hard-boiled mystery and atmospheric depiction of urban shadows.
• D.O.A. (1950): Centres on a man racing against time to solve a mystery involving himself, similar to George’s urgent search for his past and the truth before danger overtakes him.
• Total Recall (1990): A modern sci-fi thriller heavily featuring amnesia, a search for true identity, and a twisty plot involving a protagonist who may or may not be the person he thinks he is, bearing thematic similarities to the core mystery.
• Out of the Past (1947): Considered a prime example of film noir, featuring a protagonist whose past catches up with him in a deadly way, with complex characters and a pervasive sense of fatalism that appeals to noir fans.

🛒 Somewhere in the Night Related Products

• Somewhere in the Night (Criterion Collection Blu-ray): Experience the film in high definition with restored picture and sound, often including scholarly commentary and bonus features that delve into the movie’s production and place in film history.
• The Big Book of Film Noir: The Classic Era: A comprehensive guide featuring detailed analyses, historical context, and stunning visuals covering the key films, directors, and themes of classic film noir.
• Classic Film Noir Movie Poster – ‘The Maltese Falcon’: High-quality print of iconic poster art from a foundational film noir, evoking the style and mood of the era ‘Somewhere in the Night’ belongs to.
• L.A. Noire (Digital Download): An interactive detective game set in post-war Los Angeles, offering players a chance to step into a world of crime, corruption, and mystery, complete with era-accurate settings and character interactions.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Paducah” – performed by Harry Warren

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

4 Must Watch Underrated Film Noir Classics (PART 4)

Think you’ve seen all the great film noirs? You might be surprised! This video highlights Somewhere in the Night as one of those must-watch underrated classics you might have missed – and honestly, it makes a great case!

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