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Madeleine Martin
 13 Rue Madeleine $14.98 13 Rue Madeline(1947) is one of the many spy films produced after the war detailing the heroic efforts of the OSS and there ilk. This one is designed like a docu-Drama with one of the lamest of 40s and 50s devices: the overuse of a monotone narrator to explain the plot. It does not help to include such a meandering voice on an already leisurely paced film and it keeps this film strictly as a historical piece and little else. The film could have certianly used a little more blood and thunder. If there's any consollation it's in the lead acting of James Cagney who delivers a full blooded performance. He's quite athletic in this and delivers the action nicely, what little there is of it. He also invokes that sense of hard boiled world weariness he brought his gangster characterizations especially in that conclusion as he laughs maniaclly at his and the enemy's imminent destruction. Most of the cast can't begin to compare to this role, but there are a few standouts. Richard Conte has a diificult role as a German Double agent who despite being set up primarily as a villian still gains some sympathy. He was largely under utilized in most films but is a standout here. The same can be said for veteran actor Sam Jaffe as the leader of the Dutch resisitance who brings his usual amount of sincerity to a part that wasn't as well written as could be. The film is certainly interesting and features a pretty exciting final thirty minutes, but there were(and would) be better genre pieces than this and this film is largely reccomended for Cagney fans who wish to savor another of the actor's charismatic performances.  THESE BABES GLORIFY M-G-M'S "ZIEGFELD GIRL": Pictured are Claire James, Irma Wilson, Anya Taranda, Nina Bissell, Frances Gladwin, Virginia Cruzon, Alaine Brandes, Patsy Mace, Myrna Dell, Gayle Mellot, Louise La Planche, Georgia Carroll, Madeleine Martin, Hariett Bennet, and Loraine Gettman. ..... 1941 LIFE Magazine Article, A4432A. $15.99 This Item is an original five page Magazine article, taken from a vintage magazine of the year indicated. The article is complete and opens the door to the time during which it was written and the social beliefs of that era. The scan of this item was taken through plastic film, however it is an accurate representation of the item. The nominal size is 10.5 inches by 14 inches. |
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