Impact
Tags: suspenseful

Plot synopsis:
The San Francisco, California-based millionaire industrialist Walter Williams (Brian Donlevy) has a younger wife, Irene (Helen Walker), who is trying to kill him with the help of her young lover, Jim Torrance (Tony Barrett). After Walter and Irene make plans to drive to Lake Tahoe, Irene feigns illness and asks Walter to instead give Torrance, who is pretending to be Irene's "cousin" from Illinois, a lift to Denver, Colorado, allowing Torrance a chance to murder Walter en route. The plan falls apart when Williams survives a hit on the head from the would-be killer. Attempting to flee the scene in Williams' Packard Clipper convertible, Torrance dies in a fiery head-on collision with a gasoline tanker truck. The body of Torrance is mistakenly identified as Williams. In the meantime, Irene has made reservations at a hotel in Oakland for her and her boyfriend to meet afterward, under the assumed names of "Mr. & Mrs. Jack Burns."
The wounded, dazed Williams falls asleep in the back of a moving van and ends up in the small town of Larkspur, Idaho. Using the name "Bill Walker," he gets a job as a service station mechanic and falls in love with Marsha Peters (Ella Raines), a young widow who is the station's owner. Meanwhile, the police arrest Williams' wife for his "murder." After Marsha eventually persuades Walter to go back to clear his wife, he is charged with murdering Torrence. Marsha enlists the help of kindly police detective Quincy (Charles Coburn) to prove Walter's innocence.

Review: There is a stark contrast between the murderous doings in San Francisco (and on the road), and the pastoral joys of Larkspur, Idaho--a contrast that is emphasized by the score, which favors harp and flute for Larkspur and dramatic strings, or even complete silence, for the rest of the film.Brian Donlevy turns in a solid performance as the loving husband and successful industrialist who discovers his beloved wife is scheming with a lover to kill him; the scene where he breaks down after realizing this is more than solid, and reveals a depth of emotional understanding that Donlevy rarely showed, or at least got the chance to show.
Helen Walker is just tremendous as the scheming wife, whose lightning-fast wit helps her transfer the murder rap from herself to her husband, despite her surprise at his being alive at all.Charles Coburn slips in and out of an Irish brogue as the detective who suspects Walker and supports Donlevy, even at the expense of undercutting the D.A.'s case.
Anna May Wong has a small role that emphasizes how the years have worn on her since her beautiful turn in "Shanghai Express." Philip Ahn has an even smaller role as Wong's uncle, who responds to Coburn's condescending query, "You savvy English?" with an urbane "Yes. Also French, Italian, and Hebrew" (reminiscent of his character years earlier in "Something to Sing About").The plot gets a little convoluted, and the triumphant ending may seem like a bit of an anticlimax, but "Impact" should still be better known than it is..
The scene takes almost a minute and proves that Donlevy is a much underrated actor who should be honored more.Apart from the realistic presentation of parts of San Francisco in the late Forties (it complements Welles impressions in Lady from Shanghai"), Impact has some nice pieces of slang (at least to a foreigner whose mother tongue is not English).
A good example of a little known "film noir," this 1949 film was shot primarily on location in San Francisco.There is good acting all around, from the main stars down to supporting cast, and the plot does tie together nicely.Look for Mae Marsh, a silent film star who plays Ella Raines mother, and also look for a brief cameo appearance by syndicated columnist and radio personality Sheila Graham, playing herself of course.Brian Donlevy, who made similar "noir" films, among them D.O.A., appears to be right at home in this film, and is wonderful in an understated way.The film, at almost 2 hours in length was a bit long for the time, and might drag a bit, but is worth watching.Anna Mae Wong plays the maid in this film, an old time character actress from the days of silent films, she has a small but all important role in the film, for she holds the key (literally) to how the whole movie ends.
Listen for some degrading Chinese music when Ms. Wong is on the run.Interesting note, Helen Walker who plays the scheming wife in the film, was involved in a major scandal of her own.
A lesser role, but from a remarkable actress, is the maid, played by Anna May Wong (who got stereotyped in the movies but who is now increasingly appreciated as the first major Chinese-American actress).Yes, this is a great film for film buffs, and a really good story for everyone.
The interesting story and cast help to make this a good film-noir, with an involved plot that keeps your attention even through a couple of slower stretches.
Anna May Wong plays a character who is important to the plot, but unfortunately the role does not give her much of a chance to display her considerable acting ability.Aside from meandering a bit at times, the story works pretty well.
What transformed this picture from your typical film-noir thriller into a full-fledged murder/mystery is not just the creative story, but also the strong characters, the twisting themes, and the questionable ending.
From the opening scene, we think that we have this film already pegged as your typical "wife cheats on man and he now wants revenge" story, but as director Arthur Lubin guides us further down his diabolical path, we learn that there is going to be more surprises than we originally anticipated.
We assume that the because Brian Donlevy is our centralized character that he has to be the dark and brooding one the entire time, causing the sensation of film-noir.
It is a landmark film that will keep you guessing in a better way than any Shyamalan film will.Even if you cannot agree with me about Lubin's slight of "film-noir" hands, it is unmistakably true that Impact contains some of the best story coupled with acting that we have seen in quite a long time.
Although the final third gets in the way and is finally disappointing,it does not keep "impact" from being absorbing and entertaining.One of the rare film noirs -maybe the only one - which takes a look on the brighter side of the road:sandwiched between two very dark parts,the second one has Capra accents:the country town is some Shangri-la where time stood still ,with its very nice people ,the girl who owns a garage but of course does not know anything about mechanics(woman's lib supporters will cringe),the young father proud of his new-born son ,the Sunday service,the old lady cooking tasty little dishes.All of this is unusual in a film noir.Some might say that "shadow of a doubt"(1942) had already that ,but evil could enter this world,as the heroine 's uncle came to town.Here,the evil is elsewhere ,in San Francisco.Only in San Francisco.Or on the dark road where anything can happen:first part is effective,and shows some "Postman always rings twice" (1946) influence..
Successful businessman Walter Williams (Brian Donlevy) loves his pretty wife Irene (Helen Walker) more than anything.
Doing the Right Thing Never Works Out. In San Francisco, the successful self-made businessman Walter Williams (Brian Donlevy) has just bought three factories in Denver with the approval of the board of directors.
The situation changes when Irene accuses him of plotting to kill her lover Jim, and Walter has to prove his innocence."Impact" is a great film-noir, with a melodramatic story full of twists.
I'm not sure it was in the original film, but it cues to the most sweetest and romantic tone while Irene Williams plots to murder her husband so she can elope with another man, and continues to do so after her scheme is revealed and she tries to cover it up..
Supported exquisitely by Ella Raines with a very solid performance, the film moves through what could easily have been a thick and sluggish plot at a pleasing pace.I've always enjoyed Brian's brilliant yet simple interpretation of his roles and this one is particularly refreshing and interesting.
Charles Coburn's portrayal of a stuffy yet sharp and humorous cop adds a delightful bit of saltiness.Rarely am I left disappointed that a film has come to its conclusion like turning the final page of a really good book; this is one of those films.
Crafty little B-flick has devoted husband Brian Donlevy finding out the hard way that his wife (the inimitable Ella Raines) wants her freedom--she's been conspiring with her lover to have him rubbed out!
This is a slower-moving film noir/melodrama that has usual tough-guy Brian Donlevy in a role of a super nice guy-victim.He's the victim of his ruthless wife "Marsha Peters," played very well by Helen Walker.
San Francisco industrial supremo, Walter Williams, survives an attempt on his life by his two-timing wife's lover, whom ironically is badly burned and killed at the scene himself.
But as Williams finds new hope and a re-evaluation in his life, he must go back and reveal all about what happened, something that may well prove to be his undoing!Impact is directed by Arthur Lubin and stars Brian Donlevy, Ella Raines, Charles Coburn and Helen Walker.
Sitting nicely between Noir and Drama, Impact is a film that possibly wouldn't stand up to repeat viewings, but once viewed I personally feel that it leaves a mark that is most definitely favourable, and I'm not just biased because Ella Raines is stunningly gorgeous here!!!
After scoring big points with his board of directors, wealthy San Francisco businessman Brian Donlevy (as Walter "Walt" Williams) plans a romantic vacation with his beautiful, well-dressed wife Helen Walker (as Irene).
Donlevy finds female companionship with 25-year-old Mobile service station operator Ella Raines (as Marsha Peters) while "smart cookie" lieutenant Charles Coburn (as Tom Quincy) investigates...The Popkin brothers (Harry and Leo) were great at bringing suspenseful dramas to the screen; in this case, a story by Jay Dratler.
Of the four top-billed stars, Walker gets the best out of her role.****** Impact (3/19/49) Arthur Lubin ~ Brian Donlevy, Helen Walker, Ella Raines, Charles Coburn.
The police are after Jim Torrence, who they think is still alive and Walter's wife Irene.This one makes for a good prime time film or just a lazy afternoon flick if you are looking for a crime mystery to watch.7.5/10.
Brian Donlevy was at his best in this role as Walter Williams, a businessman victimized by his scheming wife and her lover.
I saw this as a little boy, and even then was taken in by Donlevy's performance in scenes right after the "accident", where he is so groggy and disoriented, suffering no doubt a concussion, yet trying so hard to literally, focus himself enough to survive.The early scenes do go on a bit long, but they are necessary to the story, and yet with little dialogue, Donlevy carries the scenes very well.Mechanics coveralls never looked so good as on Ella Raines, one of the prettiest to ever grace Hollywood, and the short-lived Helen Walker is wonderful as the nasty wife.A very well done "Don't Miss".
This is a great film to view and enjoy great acting by talented actors like Brian Donlevy (Walter Williams); Ella Raines, (Marsha Peters) and Charles Coburn, (Lt. Tom Quincy) In this film Walter Williams is a successful business man in San Francisco, California who is very much in love with his wife, Irene Williams,(Helen Walker) and does everything possible to make her happy and calls himself SOFTY as a nickname.
Ella Raines shone so brightly in this 1949 film as the all American heroine who believes in her mechanic employee Walter Williams (Brian Donlevy) whom she knows is married but who appears to keep a king size chip on his shoulder.Ella's character, (Marsha Peters) is a WWII widow who lost her husband at Okinawa.Ella looks so fetching not only in her working mechanic's outfit but also glamorous in her 1940s dress.Ella manages to imbue her characterisation of Marsha with sympathy, honesty, friendliness and stubbornness when she is helping the wrongly accused Walter.She is also quite athletic as she follows Walter's Chinese maid Su Lin (Anna May Wong) over San Francisco, in her quest to provide vital evidence for the defence team.I was so struck by Ella's performance that I researched similar roles by her and found her in "La Dama Desconocida" (also known as the The Phantom Lady) when she provided similar heroic help to her stricken boss.I wondered at times whether Brian Donleavy's character looked a wee bit old to have a romantic attachment with the lovely Miss Raines.The other actors provided very solid support especially Charles Coburn as Lt. Tom Quincy who is on the side of justice, not just turning into the D.A.'s office the man whom his captain says he must prosecute.There was almost a father/daughter relationship on screen between Marsha & Quincy at times which I found rather touching.The only other film I have seen Helen Walker in is playing a socialite "The Hon. Betty Cream" in Lubitsch's last comedy, "Cluny Brown"(1946), a satire of the English upper classes of 1938.Helen plays the villainess, Irene Williams.The best line of the film is when Anna May Wong's Chinese father is asked by Quincy whether he understands his words.His response:"I also have a knowledge of French, Italian, Yiddish, and English".
You probably already "guessed."Of course, the climax occurs late in the film, when he finally returns to San Francisco, and all sorts of chicanery resume on the part of his duplicitous wife, who orchestrated the circumstances leading to his problems in the first place.I love these old "noir" films - not just for the stories, and nostalgic showing our country decades ago - but for some of the inevitable scenes which were included.
But Tony Barrett the lover bungles the job and he gets killed when a train plows into his car.As it turns out husband Brian Donlevy is only knocked unconscious from a hit on the head from a tire iron.
But everyone thinks he's dead and dogged police detective Charles Coburn arrested wife Helen Walker and charges with conspiracy to murder Donlevy.Donlevy is now several states away and living simply as a garage mechanic working and falling in love with Ella Raines.
Donlevy underplays his role very well, a man numbed by the fact that his wife had actually plotted to murder him.Sounds a whole lot like the issues covered in Fury on a personal level.
The fascinating cast is a real selling point - Brian Donlevy, Ella Raines, Helen Walker, Charles Coburn, Anna May Wong, and the great silent film actor Mae Marsh, all together in one film.
As soon as the then 72 year old Charles Coburn turns up as the investigating cop you know the movie is heading for trouble and by the time new girlfriend Ella Raines starts running around like Nancy Drew minus her Hardy Boys, things have gone fairly pear-shaped.
There were some interesting shots of 40's San Francisco and some nice acting turns, especially Helen Walker as the perfidious wife and Charles Coburn as the persistent Detective.
Donlevy himself is very good, but Charles Coburn as the indefatigable detective and Ella Raines (from The Phantom Woman) as the love interest and owner of a service station both steal the show..
Brian Donlevy (Walter) is duped into taking his wife Helen Walker's (Irene) 'cousin' to another town.
IMPACT is an almost forgotten film noir with a great set up: a guy's wife is cheating on him and colludes with her lover to have him killed.
Poetic justice there, but the follow up is where things get interesting, as jilted protagonist Walter Williams (Brian Donlevy) spends his time trying to sort things out while keeping his real identity a secret.Helen Walker turns in a strong performance as the two faced Irene Williams, a character you'll love to hate as the story progresses.
It was written by Jay Dratler who also co-wrote the screenplays for other film noirs such as "Call Northside 777", "The Dark Corner" and "Laura" and his skills as a storyteller and a writer of snappy dialogue are both in strong evidence in this movie.Walter Williams (Brian Donlevy) is a wealthy industrialist whose wife Irene (Helen Walker) colludes with her lover, Jim Torrence (Tony Barrett) to murder him.
The fact that Brian Donlevy is able to bring all these aspects of Walter's personality together in a believable way is very commendable and enjoyable to watch.Helen Walker and Ella Raines are both excellent in their roles and Charles Coburn provides the pick of the supporting performances as the veteran detective who's assigned to investigate the case..
It starts with some drama and romance, moves into suspense and skulduggery, then takes an unusual twist, then another unusual twist and another, and ends on romance.This 1949 film is a very nice vehicle for Brian Donlevy who plays the part of Walter Williams.
Helen Walker is at her diabolical best (also check her out in "Nightmare Alley") parading under her luxury apartment plotting her weak husband's murder, while Ella Raines is pretty, endearing and very modern as the small-town widow and mechanic who collides with Donlevy's life for the better.
Ella Raines, as others have mentioned, was good as the two-faced wife who wanted her husband, Brian Donlevy, dead.
"Look, it's Walter Williams, the dead guy!" Sixth, the whole way too long small-town romance thing with Brian Donlevy and the girl (Ella Raines) was boring and unbelievable.
It needed MST3K bots saying, "Meanwhile, in a different movie..." Finally, I didn't believe for a minute that Brian Donlevy's husband character would suddenly agree to return to San Francisco, walk into the police station, and say, "Well, here I am, alive and well, and oh by the way, I wouldn't come sooner but I had, er, uh (spoiler) amnesia -- yeah, right.
And I didn't believe for a minute that the cops and prosecutors would, instead of thoroughly investigating this amazing new development, just snap their fingers and say, "Oh, wow, okay you're under arrest for murder, somebody get his wife out of jail." So, there were way too many problems with what could've been a pretty good (but not noir) crime suspense story..
Plus, having the likes of Charles Coburn and Ella Raines in supporting roles gives the film some nice color.
Lesser known than you would expect, but still very much well worth a viewer's time (111 minutes to be exact), "Impact" (1949) comes across as a very clever cross between film noir and picturesque small-town romance, with the super-beautiful but murderous Helen Walker brilliantly holding up the noir end and super-slim but super- attractive Ella Raines playing the good girl.
A very successful San Francisco business man Walter Williams(Brian Donlevy)is on his way to wrap up some important business in Denver and his devious wife Irene(Helen Walker)backs out of the trip at the last minute; but wants her husband to pickup her cousin(Tony Barrett), who is actually her lover.
Whoever thought that Brian Donlevy, usually a villain in films, could pull it off with a compelling performance as a faithful, successful husband to an apparent faithless wife who plots his demise with her lover.
Changing his mind, he returns only to have the wife turn the tables on him as he accused of killing her lover instead.Charles Coburn is miscast here as the detective who believed Donlevy..