Half a Sinner (1940)
8/10
Extremely pleasant "B"
9 January 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This movie has a number of things going for it, not the least of which is the fact that while it is not stingy on production values, it runs less than an hour. It's also one of a mere half-dozen features directed by super-prolific comedy shorts director, Al Christie. The ingratiating star, Heather Angel, acquits herself well, and there's no doubting the sincerity of a large support cast including John "Dusty" King, Constance Collier, Clem Bevans and Walter Catlett. Based on a reasonably amusing story by Dalton Trumbo, the screenplay certainly strains credulity, but it has enough amusing twists to keep us on our toes, and it never runs out of puff. Admittedly, Heather Angel makes an ideal distraction, but the other players prop up the screenplay admirably too. And for all its lack of pretentiousness, the thin story also breezes along at a praiseworthy pace, despite a plot housed with plentiful people, plus a playfully pleasant precociousness that makes DVD viewing a fervent pleasure.
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