A Movie Review: The Blue Dahlia

The Blue Dahlia is a film noir that stars a beautiful Veronica Lake and a stoic Alan Ladd.  Johnny Morrison (Alan Ladd) is coming back from his service in World War II.  His wife, Helen Morrison (Doris Dowling), has turned into a party girl and is having an affair with a club owner, Eddie Harwood (Howard Da Silva).  Johnny discovers this affair and a major argument erupts in front of her friends.  Soon after, he walks out on his wife.  Joyce Harwood (Veronica Lake) -- she just happens to be the estranged wife of Eddie Harwood -- is driving her car and stops to pick up Johnny.  There is an instant attraction.

From that point, we move into a murder mystery.  The following morning, Helen Morrison is found dead.  Johnny Morrison is the prime suspect; however, there are other potential suspects.  A military buddy of Johnny, Buzz Wanchek (William Bendix), also crossed paths with Helen after Johnny walked out.  There is also Eddie.

This is a movie that has it's moments; however, I had a couple of major problems with it.

1.  What are the chances that Johnny Morrison and Joyce Harwood would cross paths?  Two spouses with unfaithful spouses having an affair with each other.

2.  I don't think there were enough clues in the movie that hinted at who the actual killer was.  To me, a good murder mystery should result in an aha moment.

To me, those two question put a downer on this film.

I will admit that I loved watching Veronica Lake on screen.  After watching the movie, I did a little research on her.  She had a really difficult life due to mental illness.