The Mask of Dimitrios (1944)

[Akijama]

Jean Negulesco began his remarkable run of classic noirs by knocking it out of the park with this winning adaptation of a novel by nightmaster Eric Ambler. Also making his debut is Zachary Scott as the titular criminal Dimitrios. But it’s Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet, here in the middle of their remarkable pairings (The Maltese Falcon, Casablanca, Background to Danger, Passage to Marseilles, The Conspirators, Three Strangers, and The Verdict) who send this Citizen Kane of criminal portraits into the cinematic stratosphere. Lorre, in one of his rare turns as lead, clearly delights in the role, revealing his penchant for mordant comedy and dry delivery. And Greenstreet gives added depth to his traditional malignant mastermind character as this film’s heavy’s heart proves stronger than his head. Faye Emerson, as the gal done wrong, proves an apt match. This long awaited DVD release is Newly Remastered.
*Note: Available for pre-order 4/24/2013, to be released 5/7/2013