Don’t Bother to Knock (1952)
I hadn’t seen this picture in years, so while re-watching it last night I was stunned to realize what a first rate dramatic performance
Marilyn Monroe gave. Obvious from the film’s poster, in her previous 15 films she had already been gradually typecast as a sexpot, so the reviewers of this film at that time tended to be biased, and most of them characterized Monroe’s role as simply her attempt to be taken seriously as an actress. However, looking back without the clouded lens of 1952, Monroe’s portrayal of the mentally disturbed Nell Forbes is one of her finest dramatic performances-- one that is emotionally deep, straightforward, and believable.
Arranged by her uncle, who is an elevator operator in a NYC hotel, a young woman is pressed into service as a babysitter for a child whose parents are staying at the hotel where they will be attending an awards ceremony. At the same time an airline pilot is staying at the hotel, and is attempting to resuscitate a relationship with a chanteuse who performs at the hotel’s lounge. The babysitter gradually slips into a fantasy world while becoming infatuated with the pilot. The story plays out from there to a gratifying ending.
And what a cast.
Richard Widmark is the male lead,
Elijah Cook, Jr. lends noir bona fides, and
Anne Bancroft is impressive in her film debut. The daughter is played by familiar child actress
Donna Corcoran.
Jim Backus and
Lurene Tuttle have recognizable roles as the parents. Director
Roy Ward Baker manages to unfold an interesting story with a very small budget and confined sets.
A solid “A” picture, it has a “B” film length of only 76 minutes. Despite its low budget, 20th Century Fox birthed a surprisingly strong movie that still holds up today. Available here:
Don't Bother to Knock (1952) NOIR 720p
Doc’s rating: 7/10