I think 'Laura' is the most flawless film noir ever, but 'Fallen Angel' isn't too far behind.
Dana Andrews always puts on a good show and the added support from the beautiful Linda Darnell and Alice Faye makes the film too good to miss. Andrews usually plays good, hero-like characters but here he breaks the mould and plays a dangerous man who begins an affair with June (Faye) with the sole intent of inveigling himself into her life, taking her money and marrying the local barmaid Stella (Darnell) whom he has become infatuated with. As in any film noir things don't go to plan and when Stella is mysteriously murdered Andrews becomes inbroiled in tracking down the culprit, whilst being under suspicion himself.
Otto Preminger is a superb director and I rate him very highly. I also think he is brilliant at picking the best actors in his films, and although there was supposedly some drama behind the scenes of the film (Faye's scenes were cut in favour of fleshing out Darnell's part instead) it doesn't stop the audience being presented with polished characters and an exciting plot.
A must-see.
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