Leonora Eames has dreamed all her life to become a lady married to a rich man. She has learnt etiquette in charm school to pursue her dream. When she meets millionaire Smith Ohlrig, she tries to marry him. When he does, she spends most of the day alone in the mansion waiting for him to come home. He believes she is money obsessed, and didn't marry him because she loved him. Leonora escapes to a small flat, and gets a job as a secretary for doctor Larry Quinad. They fall in love, and she falls pregnant with Smith's baby.
German born director Ophuls, is known for his German and French films 'Lola Montes' and 'The Earrings of Madame de...'. I had no idea he went to America and made three Film Noirs ('Caught', 'Letter from an Unknown Woman' and 'The Reckless Moment'). I would consider 'Caught' a romance that gradually turns into a thriller.
I was pleasantly surprised with this film. I saw it because Empire Magazine gave it five stars, and had low expectations. They were surpassed in the first five minutes. This is the highlight of my most hated genre, the 1930-40s American Romance. The story was basic, and the cinematography was nothing particularly good, leaving the film dependant on the acting.
The lead is played by 'Vertigo' actress Barbara Bel Geddes. She plays the sweet Leonora with perfection. I found James Mason ('Lolita') to be the best actor, with his clear British accent and friendly personality. Robert Ryan ('The Wild Bunch') plays insane effectively as Larry Quinad. The three of them, create a riveting film, with passionate acting and great characters.
The most unusual aspect of this film is the ending. (SPOILER 1)
TO CONCLUDE
An unexpected good film. It's nothing phenomenal, but it is an effective watch.
SCORE
77
SPOILER 1 (highlight)--> Leonora gives birth prematurely, but smiles as if this is a good thing. This was a very unsettling scene, especially for 1949.<--
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