(1942)
2.5
Craig Butler
Eyes in the Night turns on a gimmick, that of a blind detective, which premise has been used in books, TV and films a number of times. Although its use in Eyes requires a stretching of belief in some cases, it is used mostly effectively here, helping to add interest to a screenplay that is otherwise nothing more than a routine thriller. It's put together well enough, but with little to distinguish it other than its gimmick. That Eyes manages to stand out slightly is due more to its cast and director than it script. Edward Arnold is quite good as the detective, using his imposing girth to good effect and letting that distinctive growl of a voice lend force to simple statements. Arnold's bulldog face is a bit more relaxed here than in many of his filsm, but he's still an imposing presence. He gets solid support from Ann Harding, Donna Reed and his quite good dog, Friday. In his second feature, Fred Zinnemann is competent and assured. He is not yet in a position to really make a mark, but his work keeps the picture moving and involving -- and his "in the dark" shoot-out is really quite inventively done.
cast-crew for Eyes in the Night on AllMovie
Eyes in the Night (1942)
