The Reckless Moment (1949)

[@dparks3784]

James Mason, it must be a gem.

[@msv8025]

The son’s character in this film was quite comical. Aside from James Mason and Joan Bennett, the best thing about this film is seeing Balboa Island as it was in the early fifties. As with many places, you wouldn’t recognize it now. Thank you so much for posting another gorgeous print of an overlooked film!

[@dparks3784]

How did I miss this film? This is one of those movies you go back and watch again. Thanks for uploading this movie.

[@judyledbetter3915]

Thank You, , Gonna Watch.👍💯 Happy Saturday.🌄 God Bless 💗🙌

[@sleeplessdreamer1814]

I could not believe how interesting this movie was. I'll watch again, as well.

[@moonriverdiver]

You missed it because of the usual unfamiliarity with this director's international reputation.

[@hcombs0104]

I have watched this many times now, since 2013 when I first stumbled upon it looking for Joan Bennett movies.

[@tomdooley4226]

I found it under James Mason movies, of whom I'm a huge fan!

[@kathleenmckeithen118]

I love James Mason and Joan Bennett. This was a great movie and thank you!!

[@deslobo-ep6jn]

James Mason was such a great actor and he had such a great voice ❤❤

[@unboundforevermore7649]

That was definitely a reckless moment.That’s how one lie spirals out of control into more and more lies. I call movies likes these “lessons” and to take heed, because any of us can end up in a situation like this, all because of “one lie” that lead to many more.Thanks again Chris T. For this one.

[@EjwiiiMoviesNYMountains]

Described by reviewers in recent years as must see movie and I agree, Thank you.

[@goldgeologist5320]

Acting was vastly superior in the old movies! Great movie!

[@Maria.7861]

Indeed;Artful(ly) I must say~

[@jacquelineeick5986]

ive seen some of the greatest movies through your channel and cannot thank you enough.

[@theclashcalling_]

Exceedingly hi- quality 'print' as always, thanks Chris T!

[@bboucharde]

Joan Bennett was the perfect mid-20th-Century American woman. Besides all of her other positive attributes, her acting is flawless; she is profoundly believable.

[@hcombs0104]

According to one of her daughters, Lucia Harper was not too different from the real Joan Bennett.

[@tomdooley4226]

Avoid engaging in hyperbole.

[@wandaparker3681]

I was doing laundry. But, this movie put a stop to that. This has to be the most lovingly romantic movie I've seen in a long while. Love and romance isn't always hugs and kisses. Sometimes, it's giving of one's life for someone else. And I adore how it wasn't done in vain. Really good movie. Thanks so much for sharing this gem. I'm watching it again. It requires a second viewing. Maybe this time I'll be dry eyed🙇‍♀️

[@BigBand1942]

agree

[@freezo244]

That boathouse sure sees a lot of action

[@claudettedelphis6476]

Thank you Chris T for sharing this fabulous movie 🍿 with us.🗽🎡 Perfect for a Sunday before Thanksgiving 🌺🍀🪴☺️💜

[@deslobo-ep6jn]

the housekeeper in this film is such a sweet heart and wonderful caring friend to this woman so kind ❤❤

[@francinebarr1204]

Thank You, Seem It Many Of Times, It Never Gets Old.Two Great Actors, Bennett And Mason❤

[@BunnyLang]

Sweet and sad all at the same time. Thank you, Chris T for another great movie.

[@mariestoeberl9373]

Enjoyed this movie. Loved the actors!

[@grishkotoe]

James Mason was always a great actor and is so very good looking in these older films. Thanks for posting.

[@tomdooley4226]

James Mason. None could equal his style, smoothness, and talent. I'm basically a chauvinistic American when it came to actors and movies, especially film noir, but, to me, he was one of the very, very greatest of that era and I'll watch any film in which he was featured!

[@IslandGirlKelly]

Many thanks, Chris. This was a gem. 🥂

[@mimiluvfromsf]

Thank YOU! Great quality, Chris T!

[@jeanettesdaughter]

This is when I miss my Mom the most. She adored Mason. Watched his movies on Saturday afternoons or late night TV frequently.

[@elbacarrilloLA213]

Wonderful film, thank you for uploading ❤

[@ContinentsEdge]

Quite a good movie. And it had that beautiful man, James Mason. RIP

[@jacquelineeick5986]

thanks Chris

[@EricMcDowellegm]

Thanks, Chris. You're the best!

[@dr.skipkazarian5556]

In case anyone was wondering (or worrying), Ted Darby was 42 and Bea Harper was 24 at the time this movie was released. Nice to see the better parts (IMO) of Los Angeles County with a great film, cast, and dark plot to boot. Many thanks for archiving and presenting this gem.

[@prudencehorvath8466]

James Mason wonderful acting in movie. The one and only Joan Bennett star performance always. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@rogermaes6001]

What a great "little movie" ! Thank you very much. And the image is perfect. 😘

[@sheibanineda2488]

Love James Mason. Everything about the man is perfect, and what a voice❤

[@judyledbetter3915]

Fantastic Movie Chris, T. Thank You So Much. 👍💯 God Bless 💗🙌

[@tiredlawdog]

What a movie. James Mason, aka the Desert Fox. Excellent cast, excellent movie.

[@jacquelineeick5986]

im 65 and happened upon the beatiful Joan in Scarlett Street....when i was in lockdown.. she is a genuine great actess and was a natural blonde before hollywood .

[@highlightoftheday7058]

Vary enjoyable film. Thank you for posting.

[@msheart2]

Good quality sharp b& w film, and movie I've not watched before, thank you for sharing, subbed and off to watch now.

[@darylcumming7119]

Thanks for the upload.

[@ClaudiaGale-wv9tz]

Another yummy delight! Thanks!

[@HelaineGaray]

Chris T thank ypu again! Love James Mason & Joan Bennett. Love these movies w/o ads. ☺️

[@123keniakiki]

Old is gold

[@charlesfoster141]

Great movie! James Mason was superb as was Joan Bennett. Strange plot with Mason pivotal in a way that doesn't seem logical but it makes for a good story. I recommend this movie.

[@lilphoton]

Holy moly! Where to begin? First, the plot line and exceptional writing, the directing, the really remarkable cinematography & lighting, the costumes and eyebrowial perfection, and of course the acting! I was enthralled throughout. At some point, I paused and was astounded to find only 10 minutes remaining. Chris, this may be your best upload yet, and I've sent a small contribution as thanks! I'm so grateful.

[@judyledbetter3915]

Thank You Chris T. Happy Saturday.🙋🌄 God Bless 💗🙌

[@paulkitt-er9dr]

Joan Bennett was one of the best.

[@lindamoggioable]

thanks for uploading movie.

[@ricardoturin5858]

These actors were GREAT!! BRAVO

[@trudi1962]

Fabulous!

[@freemarketjoe9869]

Excellent!

[@vidhushekhar17]

This is a TERRIFIC film, viewers. WATCH it. Thank you so much Chris T. You have given me so much that I fail to see how could I thank you. I dislike 'pure' love stories. But this film ! This film goes far far ....far beyond being a "love" story at all.

[@patch22607]

Brilliant film. Those were the days, when actors still knew how to act.

[@dee764]

Fantastic film. Thank you, Chris. 💕💫 If possible, would you be able to find: Another Man's Poison, with Bette Davis? 🎬📽

[@ChrisTNoir]

Done! 😀

[@dee764]

Woo-hoo!! 😁 Thank you so much! 💖

[@jackjones8363]

Pretty good and having seen Joan Bennett in many roles, I can certainly say that she was so versatile. Compare her Mrs Harper with her character in Highway Dragnet, or Woman in the Window!, then Manhunt! As someone else mentioned, the house keeper was so loyal and understanding. Wish I had one like her...

[@thomasbaillie-carrigan3100]

Great film Chris. Love your uploads. From an avid subscriber. Thank You.

[@andywinger4197]

I'd watched this movie within the past year or 2 but worth another watch. I'd always liked Joan Bennett. And 1949 was about the time when African American actors started to get more serious roles. Not that Frances Williams played a serious part in this movie but she was more than just a background character or a buffoon.

[@wendybutler1681]

Try finding Joan Bennett films on streaming services you have to pay for and you have very few options. Very, very few. I hope those who upload these gems know how much they improve the lives of those who are not able to get out much, who don't have a lot of money to spend on entertainment. What a joy to have all these wonderfully written, perfectly cast films to choose from. Beck before computers made half ot the film. Give me a good story. Keep your CGI. Seeing the fashions, decor and cars are an added bonus..

[@nondescript2892]

yet those computers now also made it possible for you to see all these gems for free ...two sides to every coin eh...

[@harryzlotzlottos5715]

Ευχαριστώ Chris 🎥

[@teleosus1]

Excellent film and cinematography!

[@pujapete3665]

never lie. be straight.thank you

[@kiwitrainguy]

I agree, though those letters threw a spanner in to the works.

[@flutep2069]

Another great old black and white movie!

[@jamespetersen3933]

Very happy subscriber. Thanks for the show😊

[@acastrohowell]

Very good movie 🍿

[@shelleynobleart]

Fantastic script!

[@sararichardson737]

How is it that not an ounce of this sartorial chic can be seen today oni your average American? Shame

[@jeanettecoleman-mz7ie]

Fabulous film.

[@CeadMileFailte-w3z]

Awesome movie!!! A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

[@freezo244]

She didn’t call the police when she first found the body because…?

[@nominalegg5865]

...because then the blackmail subplot wouldn't work and you'd have a different movie.

[@ContinentsEdge]

Because she suspected that her daughter had killed the blighter and she had. If you as a mother had ever felt that you have kept your whole family together and you actually were doing exactly that, you will enjoy this movie.

[@dparks3784]

She thought her daughter would be implicated.

[@jamespetersen3933]

And this is hollywood!!!

[@kiwitrainguy]

@@ContinentsEdge The mans death was an accident caused by the fence breaking and the grapple anchor being where he fell. The most her daughter could have been charged with was assault.

[@devanishant]

I'm one hour in and frustrated. The whole movie could have been avoided if she just told the truth from the beginning. It was an accident. Now, after an hour, she's confessing to something she didn't do, and to her blackmailer, of all people. Not sure if I can continue.

[@melanie_luv2_sew]

This is a good one. The things a parent will do to protect their foolish teenagers.

[@laradavenport903]

Yes but it was stupid of a daughter in the first place!

[@melanie_luv2_sew]

a tale as old as time for sure. a young girl thinks she's super cute and ends up biting off more than she can chew.@@laradavenport903

[@moonriverdiver]

Some comments indicate surprise they found it so good. Though actors Mason and Bennett recognised. But with a few exceptions directors names not generally known. Only film buffs bother to acquire them if, like this French director, are critically revered. He fled France in 1940 to escape Hitler and only in Hollywood did film noirs (also Caught) but also channelled his trademark poetic intensity in the acknowledged mastepiece Letter From An Unknown Woman. Only this free of studio interference thanks to Joan Fontaine. Then back to France. Those other 2 films here on YT so go for it he is Max Ophuls.

[@lospazio]

A pleasant surprise.

[@jamesmackenzie4017]

The motto is Oh what a fangled web we weave when we set out to deceive

[@sleeplessdreamer1814]

Not to be missed!!!

[@rajeshnvijo-dj7dk]

Lovely😢

[@TR-ne7tt]

Jon Bernnet was a great looking woman.

[@jamespfp]

This is a very neat script which would survive a rebooting. If there's a part of the story which could be used better IMO it would be to have the mother discover that the killing was in self defense and to not understand that this would be useful as a legal defense. Donnolly could then turn baby face by offering her legal advice while also acting as a private investigator without a license. Nagel would still have the option of deciding on the value of the blackmail, so it doesn't much fool up the remaining plot structure to talk about self defense. It seems strange to me that the mother is more concerned (and threatened by) civil consequences ie. a scandal than criminal ones, is all.

[@jamespfp]

^^ Strangely, the best part of it is that Mother seems to understand she is at the very least an accomplice to a killing after the fact, and thus can lie about being the one who killed him.

[@paulozimek276]

I can't believe no one in the comments mentioned that the boyfriend in the beginning was actor Richard Denning who also had a good career.

[@jazzbox35]

You know it is a great film noir when the "bad guys" are about the same as the "good guys"

[@YuChiGongG]

Dynamite film. Actress is TOPS!

[@mssweetjamesjones83]

Great movie and yes reckless

[@Briannafrancis-e9g]

Who taught her to park a car? 😂😂 @1:53

[@EjwiiiMoviesNYMountains]

My mother in-law.

[@freezo244]

😅

[@martas9283]

her car fares better than her boat.. @23.57

[@karenshafer234]

Who taught her to drop anchor with no discretion

[@kiwitrainguy]

@@karenshafer234 I thought that the mans body would be attached to it.

[@rachelk7555]

Wait a minute!! How could there have been a photo of the dead guy before she dragged him into the boat?

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Who was the actor at about 40:30 minutes in, where he pulls up next to James Mason and Joan Bennett in the car. I believe he is the same actor who had a cameo in "The Grapes of Wrath" who warned the Joads about an extraordinary number of handbill for work that were being distributed. Far more than there was work available. He also nearly cried as he spoke about his dead children who died from starvation. It was one of the most emotional scenes in that film. I'd like to track that great character actor down and see more of him.

[@MrJoeybabe25]

I found him! Louis Mason who should have had a great career based on the scene in "Grapes of Wrath" alone!

[@beckygarcia4416]

That poor woman. Not a seconds peace!

[@roundtwo3321]

This wonderful movie reminds me of another movie with a similar premise, except it's the saintly, step-mother who protects her ungrateful, step-daughter. The step-mother was a famous actress, like Claudette Colbert, possibly. If you come across a movie like that, could you show it, too?

[@soniavadnjal7553]

Saw it on yt recently, like a few days ago, called The Secret Heart. Has Colbert, plus W Pidgeon ((?), and other big names.

[@roundtwo3321]

@@soniavadnjal7553 How sweet are you to help? I just saw that movie, too, yesterday. Colbert is the step-mother, but the daughter isn't having a relationship with a disreputable person (her step-mother's ex), like in this movie here. Thank you so much!

[@CissyBrazil]

I’m just a little ways into this movie, but I find the mother very cold to her kids. I like her boy. He’s got good manners, etc. I just wanted to make that observation so with the movie!

[@junbug4997]

In these movies people meet at 1pm by 2 pm they are in love and by 3 pm they’re getting married.

[@karenshafer234]

Darby tries to correct Mrs Harper about daughter's age...

[@sismitchel476]

BLOOPER - How did a picture of the dead man's body get in the paper, when she drug his body to the ocean?

[@georgemckoy5837]

Nice production. But I don`t understand; she is 17 & he is a man with grey hair? Was that legal in 1949??

[@laradavenport903]

Yes, it was allowed. Remember Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall? Women typically married much older men than her meant financially dependent. AKA money!

[@rachelk7555]

There is no way that the one actress is young enough to be the daughter of the other actress.

[@jacquelineeick5986]

you can always know comments from young people aiming to critisise in their boredom😂instead of making idiot comments why do they watch? and why dont they go back to the new crap !!!!!!!🤣????

[@rachelk7555]

How could she drag that dead body down the sand beach without leaving any drag marks in the sand?

[@edsonborges8289]

Sem legendas, e impossível assistir suas postagens, acho, que são para INGLES, assistir... acho que editor destes filmes esqueceu que estamos no Brasil cujo idioma e o português, convém lembrar que os filmes são ótimos, mas e uma falta de respeito muito grande a falta de legendas..., aliás e uma perca de tempo...

[@tpe54]

$5,000 in 1949 = $63,640.25 in 2024

[@zeldasmith6154]

None of that exists anymore. It's bumper to bumper and a million dollars for a dump.

[@willfriedseverin4318]

that boathouse isn't a very healthy place!

[@kiwitrainguy]

6:15 to 6:33, 17:33 to 18:28 nice following shots. Mrs. Harper doesn't eat, she just smokes cigarettes instead.

[@knighttuttruptuttrup8518]

Gidget's Dad?

[@laradavenport903]

Ugh, what a spoiled brat at 17 year old!🙄

[@MK-hh1vo]

Interesting story. Ridiculous development and ending. As if that would happen in this situation! Not likely!

[@nondescript2892]

true ..but for Hollywood these " film noir" movies were already a big step in the direction of any kind of realism...forget the cringy crying " helpless" maidens and the faithfull black maids and the blackmailer with the heart of gold....at least the central woman role is neurotic from her possesive mingling family and takes charge..in somewhat realistic surroundings...it's one of Bennett's best roles I think...