This Gun for Hire & The Glass Key

The Glass Key (1942) Based on the Hammett Novel. Ladd tries to save his Boss (Brian Donleavy) from being framed for murder Pros: William Bendix, Alan Ladd, Veronica Lake Cons: Script, flat direction. Analysis  Ladd is enjoyable as the tough-guy who's one set ahead of everyone else and Lake is sultry and beautiful. And the film really comes alive when Bendix's sadistic henchman character comes onscreen. Bendix's love of violence is so excessive its actually uncomfortable - wonder how it got past the Hayes code. But the story and other characters are un-engaging and like the "Maltese Falcon" - its mostly drama and discussion. Unlike the "Maltese Falcon" the script lacks memorable dialogue. And who cares about a crooked politician anyway? Plays much longer than its 85 minute run-time. Summary: Mediocre although Bendix, Ladd and Lake have their moments. Rating **

This Gun for Hire (1942)  Ladd plays a Hitman who’s been double-crossed and is now out for revenge. Pros: Acting, Lake, some good action scenes Cons: Standard story and shallow characters
Analysis: The movie that made Alan Ladd a star. A standard film-noir but Ladd and Lake make the film interesting by their chemistry and charisma. Except for the evil old coot in a wheelchair, the other actors and the story in general are rather dull. Note: Robert Preston is actually the hero and leading man.. Summary: Good when Ladd is onscreen – otherwise mediocre. Rating **1/2