Singapore *** (1947, Fred MacMurray, Ava Gardner, Roland Culver, Richard Haydn, Spring Byington, Thomas Gomez, Porter Hall) – Classic Movie Review 7270

Director John Brahm’s 1947 action, adventure, crime romantic thriller Singapore stars Ava Gardner as gorgeous old flame Linda, now married to stuffy rich planter Michael Van Layden (Roland Culver), who comes back into the life of carefree pearl smuggler Matt Gordon (Fred MacMurray) in Singapore when he returns to recover his stash of pearls.

It emerges that they were separated by the war after Linda disappeared during a Japanese attack in 1942 but now they are soon involved in new intrigue when Linda is kidnapped by sinister fence Mr Mauribus (Thomas Gomez) and his crooks who are after Matt’s pearls.

Battling against Seton I Miller and Robert Thoeren’s murky and motionless screenplay, based on a story by Seton I Miller, the great cast and an inspired director managing stylish work help to light up an obscure romantic thriller, remade as 1957’s Istanbul with Errol Flynn.

Singapore also features Richard Haydn, Spring Byington, Porter Hall, George Lloyd, Maylia, Rudy Robles, Frederick Worlock, Holmes Herbert, Philip Ahn, George Sorel, Reginald Sheffield, Pat Aherne, Leyland Hodgson, Gerald Oliver, Edith Evanson, Dick Elliott, Maxine Chevalier, David Ralstion and Luke Chan.

Singapore is directed by John Brahm, runs 85 minutes, is released by Universal, is written by Seton I Miller and Robert Thoeren, based on a story by Seton I Miller, is shot in black and white by Maury Gertsman, is produced by Jerry Bresler, is scored by Daniele Amfitheatrof and David Tamkin, and is designed by Bernard Herzbrun.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7270

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