Wednesday, March 13, 2013

The House on Telegraph Hill 1951


     Victoria Kopwelska tried everything she could to save her friend Karin Dernakova in a Nazi death camp but Karin was not strong enough and she died.  Victoria assumes Karin’s identity after Americans rescue the prisoners from the camp.  She knows Karin has an Aunt Sophie in San Francisco plus Karin’s baby son was smuggled out of Poland and went to live with the aunt.  Victoria has lost her husband and the Germans burned her family’s home, she has nothing left for her in Poland.  She learns through a telegram sent to the refugee camp where she is staying that Aunt Sophie has died.  Victoria travels with many other refugees to New York and meets with Alan Spender, the nephew of Aunt Sophie and his attorney.  During her stay in New York, Alan and Victoria fall in love and get married.  They travel together to San Francisco to reunite with Chris, Karin’s son. Victoria doesn’t know that Alan believes Aunt Sophie’s house and money belong to HIM and not to Chris and Victoria.
     This is good, it’s the second time I’ve seen this.  Even though it’s from 1951, it’s very interesting to see New York and San Francisco of that time plus the cars. Excellent performance by Cortese, wonderful cinematography and the mystery has you on the edge of your seat.  Could it be that Basehart is such a vile and evil person!?  4* (I really liked this movie)

93 min, Drama directed by Robert Wise with Richard Basehart, Valentina Cortese, William Lundigan, Fay Bker, Gordon Geberi, Steven Geray.

Note:  Blockbuster 2 ½*, imdb, 6.9 out of 10, 56% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.
Special Note:  Richard Basehart is shown smoking a cigarette on the DVD cover, that would not be permitted today!

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