The Damned Don’t Cry Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A tired housewife decides the easiest way to get rich and escape her dead-end life is to become a gangster’s moll, because clearly that’s less stressful.

🍿 The Damned Don’t Cry: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Mysterious Disappearance

The film opens dramatically with the discovery of a murdered gangster, Nick Prenta, in the California desert. Police investigating the crime find evidence linking him to a seemingly high-society woman named Lorna Hansen Forbes, who has vanished. The mystery deepens when they find no official record of Lorna Hansen Forbes existing before her connection to Prenta. The investigation leads them to a modest home far from the world of wealth and crime.

Ethel Whitehead’s Humble Beginnings

The story shifts to a flashback, revealing the woman’s true identity: Ethel Whitehead. She is introduced living a difficult, impoverished life as a housewife married to a rude, working-class man named Roy in a bleak oil town. Ethel dreams of escaping her circumstances and finding a better life, feeling trapped by her lack of money and opportunities.

A Tragic Turning Point

Ethel’s unhappy marriage and desire for more reach a crisis point following a personal tragedy. The death of her young son in an accident serves as the catalyst for Ethel to abandon her husband and her dreary life. Determined to seek her fortune, she leaves her past behind and heads to New York City, resolute in her goal to climb the social and financial ladder.

The Climb Begins

Arriving in the city, Ethel takes a series of jobs, starting from humble beginnings like working in a cigar store. She soon moves on to modeling dresses for a wholesale company, where she learns to use her looks and charm. It is here she meets Martin Blankford, a meek but talented accountant, whom she manipulates and convinces to join her quest for a more lucrative life, drawing him into increasingly shady circles.

Entering the Underworld

Ethel and Martin become involved with Grady, a figure connected to organized crime. Martin’s accounting skills prove valuable, and they soon attract the attention of powerful mob boss George Castleman. Ethel, ambitious and drawn to Castleman’s wealth and influence, becomes his lover. Under Castleman’s guidance and with the help of a socialite named Patricia Longworth, Ethel is transformed, given a new name (Lorna Hansen Forbes), polish, and entry into high society.

Lorna’s Dangerous Assignment

Now living a life of luxury as Lorna Hansen Forbes, Ethel is deeply entrenched in Castleman’s world. When Castleman suspects his West Coast operator, Nick Prenta, of disloyalty, he tasks Lorna with a dangerous mission: go to Palm Springs, pose as a wealthy socialite, and get close to Prenta to uncover his plans. This assignment puts Lorna in a precarious position, forcing her to navigate trust and betrayal within the ruthless crime syndicate.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ethel Whitehead (Lorna Hansen Forbes) (Joan Crawford): An ambitious working-class woman who leaves her past behind to climb the social and criminal ladder by using the men she encounters.
• George Castleman (David Brian): The powerful and sophisticated head of a nationwide crime syndicate who takes Ethel/Lorna on as his mistress and involves her in his dangerous world.
• Nick Prenta (Steve Cochran): A volatile gangster in the western territory whose activities lead George Castleman to send Ethel/Lorna to spy on him.
• Martin Blackford (Kent Smith): A naive accountant whom Ethel initially uses as a stepping stone to enter the criminal world through his financial expertise.
• Patricia Longworth (Selena Royle): A broke but refined socialite who helps Ethel transform her identity and appearance to fit into high society.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ethel Whitehead: “Don’t talk to me about self-respect. That’s something you tell yourself you got when you got nothing else.” – Said bitterly to her weak husband, expressing her disillusionment with their poor, dead-end life.
• Ethel Whitehead: “What kind of self-respect is there living on aspirin tablets and chicken salad sandwiches?” – Continuing her tirade against her husband, scornfully dismissing their meager existence as lacking true dignity.
• Ethel Whitehead: “Look Marty, the only thing that counts is that stuff you take to the bank, that filthy buck that everybody sneers at, but slugs to get.” – Advising Martin Blackford on her cynical, ruthless view of money and success as the only things that truly matter.
• Ethel Whitehead: “Ah, shut up.” – A sharp, defiant retort delivered to a complaining associate, signaling her hardening attitude and determination.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,233,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Damned Don’t Cry Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I went into this expecting another Joan Crawford melodrama, and while it delivers on that, it’s also got some serious noir vibes! Joan is just magnetic as Ethel/Lorna, totally selling the ‘rags-to-riches-via-shady-men’ story, even if you have to suspend disbelief about her age a little. Seriously, watching her transform from a weary housewife to this glamorous, tough-as-nails socialite is peak Crawford. That scene where she tells someone to ‘Ah, shut up’ is just perfection! And David Brian and Steve Cochran? Talk about intense leading men. It’s got all the classic elements – ambition, betrayal, crime, and incredible clothes. The black-and-white cinematography is gorgeous, really adding to the mood. It might not reinvent the wheel, but it’s pure, compelling classic cinema. Definitely a must-watch for any Joan fan or anyone looking for a stylish, gripping old movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Joan Crawford”
  • “Classic Hollywood movie enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in Film Noir and Melodrama”
  • “Fans of crime dramas and gangster stories”
  • “Those interested in rags-to-riches narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of violence (including physical assault)”
  • “Adult themes (crime, manipulation, extramarital relationships)”
  • “Reference to child death”
  • “May contain outdated societal views”

Professional Reviews

• Classic Film Weekly: “‘The Damned Don’t Cry’ is a riveting melodrama masquerading as film noir, anchored by a formidable Joan Crawford. While the plot treads familiar rags-to-riches territory seen in ‘Mildred Pierce’, Crawford imbues her character with a steely determination and vulnerability that captivates. The supporting cast, particularly David Brian as the ruthless gangster, adds potent tension. Despite some dated elements and a somewhat predictable trajectory, the film’s snappy dialogue and stylish direction make it a thoroughly engaging watch for fans of classic Hollywood and strong female leads.
• Noir Review: “Vincent Sherman’s ‘The Damned Don’t Cry’ delivers a solid, if somewhat conventional, film noir experience. While its melodramatic core is undeniable, the moody cinematography and cynical tone provide the necessary genre credentials. Joan Crawford, though perhaps older than the role ideally calls for, brings her signature intensity, commanding the screen as the ambitious Ethel/Lorna. The film excels in its depiction of moral compromise and the perilous climb up the criminal ladder. It’s a stylish, fast-paced ride that keeps you invested until the final, ambiguous moments.
• The Screen Scene: “Joan Crawford gives her all in ‘The Damned Don’t Cry’, tackling another ‘woman on the rise’ story. While her performance is undoubtedly powerful, the age discrepancy between the star and the character’s narrative arc is occasionally distracting. The film itself is a competent blend of drama and crime, featuring some memorable moments and sharp dialogue. However, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Crawford’s best work and feels a bit like a rehash of earlier successes. An entertaining watch for fans, but perhaps not a classic for the uninitiated.

Audience Reactions

Joan Crawford’s powerful and commanding performance steals the show.: Many viewers praised the film’s fast pace, stylish black-and-white cinematography, and sharp dialogue. The comparison to ‘Mildred Pierce’ and the connection to the Virginia Hill/Bugsy Siegel story were also frequently mentioned highlights. The supporting cast, particularly David Brian and Steve Cochran, received positive notes for their intense portrayals.

Overall Consensus: A well-regarded Joan Crawford vehicle that successfully blends melodrama and film noir, noted for its strong lead performance, engaging plot, and stylish execution, though some viewers found the age casting and formulaic elements less compelling.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s title is taken from a line in Eugene O’Neill’s play “Mourning Becomes Electra”: “Don’t cry… the damned don’t cry.””
• “The storyline is reportedly loosely based on the real-life relationship between mobster Bugsy Siegel and his girlfriend, Virginia Hill.”
• “Some filming took place in Palm Springs, California, including exterior shots of the Twin Palms estate, which was owned by Frank Sinatra at the time and featured the unique piano-shaped swimming pool.”
• “Director Vincent Sherman had a well-known affair with star Joan Crawford during the production of the film.”
• “The movie was produced by Warner Bros. as a vehicle for Joan Crawford, aiming to replicate the success of her earlier noir-melodrama hit, “Mildred Pierce”.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Damned Don’t Cry?

As a classic film from 1950, “The Damned Don’t Cry” may be available on various digital platforms. According to listed sources, it has been available for streaming on YouTube channels like “JesseMonster” (colorized version) and “Movies Noir And Classics”. Availability on major streaming services like Prime Video, Apple TV, or others for rent or purchase may vary by region and over time, so checking these platforms directly is recommended for the most current options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Damned Don’t Cry, you might like these similar films:

• Mildred Pierce (1945): A quintessential Joan Crawford vehicle from Warner Bros. featuring a rags-to-riches story with noir and melodramatic elements, focusing on an ambitious woman navigating a difficult world.
• Double Indemnity (1944): A classic film noir featuring a manipulative femme fatale and a story of a man drawn into crime by desire and ambition, sharing themes of moral compromise and treacherous relationships.
• Sunset Boulevard (1950): Released the same year, this iconic film noir explores the darker side of ambition and illusion in Hollywood, featuring a strong, aging female lead and a story told via flashback, reflecting the era’s cynicism.
• Casino (1995): A sprawling crime epic set in the world of organized crime and gambling, featuring a strong, complex female character involved with the mob bosses, similar to Lorna Hansen Forbes’s position.
• Sudden Fear (1952): Another highly regarded thriller/melodrama starring Joan Crawford in a role involving wealth, betrayal, and danger, appealing to fans of her intense, later-career performances.

🛒 The Damned Don’t Cry Related Products

• Film Noir 10-Movie Spotlight Collection: Explore the dark, atmospheric world of classic American Film Noir with this collection featuring iconic titles that defined the genre’s style, themes, and cynical mood.
• Joan Crawford: The Essential Biography: A comprehensive biography exploring the fascinating and complex life and career of Hollywood icon Joan Crawford, from her early days to her status as a enduring star.
• The Damned Don’t Cry Vintage Movie Poster Print: High-quality reproduction print of the original theatrical release poster for ‘The Damned Don’t Cry,’ featuring the dramatic artwork and star billing.
• Bugsy Siegel: The Dark Side of the American Dream: An in-depth look at the life of notorious gangster Bugsy Siegel, whose relationship with Virginia Hill reportedly inspired elements of the movie’s plot.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Damned Don’t Cry features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Make Love with a Guitar” – performed by María Grever

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

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🔥 Bonus Content

CLASSIC MOVIE REVIEW Joan Crawford in THE DAMNED DON’T CRY Steve Hayes Tired Old Queen at the Movies

Curious what a seasoned classic movie enthusiast thinks about Joan Crawford’s role in ‘The Damned Don’t Cry’? This review offers a really engaging look at the film’s style and performances.

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