- Based on a play by Mel Dinelli and directed by Harry Horner, Beware, My Lovely may sound like a Raymond Chandler novel, but don't let the name fool you. There's no private eye, no big mystery, and no witty banter to be found here. Instead, it's a rather primitive story of an insane handyman named Howard (Robert Ryan) who terrorizes a homemaker named Helen (Ida Lupino). There are also a bratty niece (Barbara Whiting), a charming old boarder (Taylor Holmes), and a helpful phone repairman (O.Z. Whitehead), but they almost don't merit mentioning. The story revolves completely around Howard's creepy, menacing behavior and Helen's repeated attempts at kindness and concern.
- The most interesting aspect of Beware, My Lovely is certainly the notion that Howard is not responsible for his actions. His memory lapses prove to be both the most threatening and most sympathetic thing about him, and Ryan does a great job selling his character's confusion. Lupino is excellent, too, as a woman who genuinely tries to help Howard before realizing that he is just too dangerous to have around. Horner's direction is surprisingly effective given his relative obscurity, and the film features a particularly memorable shot of Howard reflected in a set of Christmas ornaments. Incidentally, I am curious about the two radio play versions of this story, one of which stars Frank Sinatra and Agnes Moorehead and the other of which features Gene Kelly and Ethel Barrymore. Probably not curious enough to actually listen to them, but those are some remarkable casting choices.
