It is extremely fascinating to view this Fritz Lang movie side by side with Jean Renoir's La Chienne, adapted from the same French novel as this film. While I have not read the book, it would seem that both films follow the novel rather devoutly since in terms of narrative content, the two works are extremely similar. Yet, they are completely different works with entirely different visions of the world. Lang produced some very interesting, distinctive work in the USA, and even in the major studios. And there are impressive moments in Scarlet Street. The sets of Greenwich Village are wonderfully moody and indicative of Lang's roots in German Expressionist silent film. The scene where the main character fends off a woman's attacker in a dark, urban night is, I think, more beautiful than it's equivalent in Renoir's version. All in all, however, Scarlet Street finds Lang impelled to make what is ultimately a very Hollywood film from a very European source. Every character here is motivated by PSYCHOLOGY- they are impelled by an inner drive towards one particular thing and their actions can only have one possible out come. The meaning of the world of Lang's movie is written in stone, and so is its sense of justice and morality. Perhaps more blatantly than most Hollywood films, the message for the viewer of this sad tale is to accept their place in the social order. Renoir's work is ultimately a comedy about the unpredictability of life. The bizarre coincidences that characterize both versions of the story here seem entirely at home in this world, whereas in the American film they come to seem like simply sloppy story-telling. There is no meaning or morality in Renoir's great movie. There is only the ecstatic anarchy of being. Deleuze would have had a field day comparing the two films. I wonder if he ever did so....

(Flash Review)A bank cashier, with a heart for painting, who is stuck in a drab marriage breaks up what he thought was a street mugging of an attractive lady. He befriends this woman who had ulterior motives for keeping in contact. Based on her false assumption of this man's true profession and financial stability, she begins to persuade him to give her money for her and her secret boyfriend. How long will this go on? Will the cashier uncover her true motives and how will his depressive life effect any reaction he may have if the truth comes out? This story was well-written, edited, paced, acted, and effective use of cinematography. It also used some unexpected effects at key moments. A prime example of great Film Noir.

Enjoyable performances and entertaining movie. I liked this movie, but I am surprised it was made in 1945. The quality of the film made it feel like it was from the 1930's but that is explained by IMDb. I purchased the DVD so it is in my collection now. The audio quality overall is good enough to understand the dialog, but has a metallic sound up to about the middle of the film in the copy I have. I think the point of the ending is insightful and psychologically true for many decent people who are not meant to take a wrong turn but they do, which is what film noir Hollywood movies are about.

This is definitely one of the best movies I have seen all through out Cinema history. It had me on the edge of my seat from the first frame to the last.Brilliant direction by Fritz Lang who times and measures every nuance and emotion of this movie like a master conductor.The cast are equally brilliant with Edward G Robinson taking us through this journey like a close and trusted friend.The timing and pace of the movie is a work of art and genius. This is extremely rare to get all the elements so right in a movie. And Fritz Lang has done it.This is an all time classic that stands the test of time. A Truly great masterpiece.