Some Light And Fluffy “Noir”

Lured (1947) – An American dancer is recruited by the British police to assist in catching a serial killer. He uses the personal ads in the newspapers to lure beautiful young women to their deaths. She’ll run into a strange group of non-suspects before finally coming face to face with the killer.

Directed by Douglas Sirk

Starring – Lucille Ball, Boris Karloff, George Sanders, Charles Coburn, George Zucco

Why I Liked It – Watching Lucy in a more serious role

I’m going to start by taking exception to the common categorization of this movie as noir. As always, I will acknowledge that there isn’t a clear definition for the style. But it always includes a cynical view of the world, with overtones of eroticism and cruelty. “Lured” doesn’t offer any of the above. It plays along the edges of the genre, but let’s call this the “cozy mystery” version and move on. Too many people slap the noir label on a movie where it doesn’t belong, then heap criticism on it for not being what it isn’t. Silly.

So, what do we have? My confession is that I clicked on this title almost exclusively because it starred Lucille Ball. I lived in and around Lucy’s hometown for three decades, and my respect for her work has grown over the years. She was one of the greatest comedians of the Twentieth Century. Lucy was also a sharp businesswoman and opened many doors for the women who followed her. I’m of the generation who knew her first for her physical comedy. Overblown reactions, and ridiculous faces were my primary images of Lucy into adulthood. Her iconic show, “I Love Lucy”, was everywhere in reruns as I grew up. Imagine my surprise the first time I saw her in a movie made prior to her television success. First, she was gorgeous! Something I’d never noticed before. Second, she could hold her own on the screen. She brought a tough, smart edge to her roles, and was showing her ability to handle the quick wit deliveries that would seal her legend.

All of that is one display here. In the movie, she plays Sandra Carpenter, an American dancer who came to England with a touring company that promptly went bust. Now she’s a taxi dancer (paid by the dance dancing partner) trying to find a way out. When a friend disappears without a word, she comes to the attention of the local police. They need help tracking down a serial killer with a taste for beautiful young women. As she weeds through leads, she comes into contact with everything from a sweet young man to a demented old costume designer. The most serious clues point to a charming rogue of a club owner. She’ll have to push past her attraction for him to find the truth, the man who murdered her friend.

Lucy is wonderful here. Great with comedy and fully believable in the final fight with the killer. She’s supported by a great cast of supporting actors including Karloff in a role that’s both chilling and comic. The tempo is quick, and the writing is fun.

Just don’t get hung up on the idea that this is noir. It’s nothing of the sort.

You can stream “Lured” on Peacock, Tubi, Roku, Pluto TV, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Fandango and Apple TV.

Rating – **** Recommended