The File on Thelma Jordon (1949)

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(217 ratings)

No one is as good as Barbara Stanwyck when she's bad. Here Stanwyck plays Thelma Jordon, a woman who late one night shows up in the office of happily married Assistant DA Cleve Marshall (Wendell Corey) to seek help in solving the string of robberies at her wealthy aunt's estate. Before Cleve can… More No one is as good as Barbara Stanwyck when she's bad. Here Stanwyck plays Thelma Jordon, a woman who late one night shows up in the office of happily married Assistant DA Cleve Marshall (Wendell Corey) to seek help in solving the string of robberies at her wealthy aunt's estate. Before Cleve can stop himself, he and Thelma are involved in an illicit affair. But Thelma is a mysterious woman, and Cleve can't help wondering if she is hiding something. His suspicions are confirmed when Thelma confesses to him that she is married to Tony Laredo, though she swears that she never wants to see him again. When Thelma's aunt is found murdered, Cleve's suspicions are aroused once again, but he is too love-struck to keep himself from being drawn into the complicated series of events that ultimately lead to his ruination. Siodmak directs with his usual skill and polish, but the film really belongs to Barbara Stanwyck who is magnificent as Thelma. Unlike the usual cold, passionless femme fatale of film noir, Thelma has a heart and a conscience. She comes to love Cleve, and has concern for his life and his future. However, despite her wish that her life could be different, she realizes that she belongs in Tony's world, and despite her attempts to sacrifice herself to save Cleve, he is doomed, by his love for her and by his own weaknesses. The File on Thelma Jordan is a romantic, unusual mystery, with a great performance and superior direction. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By: Robert Siodmak
Written By: Marty Holland, Ketti Frings
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Drama

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1949 Wide
Studio: Paramount

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The performances by both Stanwyck and Corey are strong.

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Cast

            Barbara Stanwyck as Thelma Jordon

            Wendell Corey as Cleve Marshall

            Paul Kelly as Miles Scott

            Joan Tetzel as Pamela Marshall

            Stanley Ridges as Kingsley Willis

            Richard Rober as Tony Laredo

            Minor Watson as Judge Calvin Blackwell

            Barry Kelley as District Attorney Pierce

            Laura Elliot as Dolly

            Basil Ruysdael as Judge Hancock

            Jane Novak as Mrs. Blackwell

            Gertrude W. Hoffman as Aunt Vera Edwards

            Harry Antrim as Sidney

            Kate Lawson as Clara

            Theresa Harris as Esther

            Byron Barr as McCary

            Geraldine Wall as Matron

            Jonathan Corey as Timmy Marshall

            Robin Corey as Joan Marshall

            Eric Alden as Reporter

            Gertrude Astor as Juror

            Rodney Bell as Withers

            Clancy Cooper as Chase

            Nick Cravat as Reporter

            Dot Farley as Woman Prisoner

            Mary Gordon as Charwoman

            Lew Harvey as Court Reporter

            Virginia Hunter as Secretary to the District Attorney

            Stan Johnson as Young Melvin Pierce

            Nolan Leary as Court Clerk

            Sam McDaniel as Porter

            Tony Merrill as Reporter

            Ottola Nesmith as Mrs. Asher

            Garry Owen as Bailiff

            Eddie Parks as Proprietor

            Lee Phelps as Chauffeur

            Steve Roberts as Jury Foreman

            Kenneth Tobey as Police Photographer

            Lynn Whitney as Woman Prisoner

            Gig Young as McCarty

            Jack Roberts as Reporter

            William Hamel as Newsman

            Jerry James as Reporter

            Bill Meader as Reporter

            Ezelle Poule as Woman

            John Cortay as Deputy Sheriff

            Jim Davies as Bailiff

            Geraldine Jordan as Woman Prisoner

            Lorna Jordan as Woman

            Harry Templeton as Newsman
See full cast

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