The Velvet Touch (1948)

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(101 ratings)

Based upon a story by William Mercer, The Velvet Touch stars Rosalind Russell as Valerie Stanton, a celebrated Broadway actress whose latest smash comedy is coming to the end of its successful run. The play's producer, Gordon Dunning, has produced all of Stanton's hits for the last decade, and takes… More Based upon a story by William Mercer, The Velvet Touch stars Rosalind Russell as Valerie Stanton, a celebrated Broadway actress whose latest smash comedy is coming to the end of its successful run. The play's producer, Gordon Dunning, has produced all of Stanton's hits for the last decade, and takes credit for making her the star she is today. He is therefore upset when she informs him that she wishes to make a break with him by both marrying Michael Morrell, a renowned architect, and by taking a stab at one of the classic roles -- namely Hedda Gabler -- under the auspices of another producer. Dunning has no intention of letting her move forward with her plans, and he tells her that if she refuses to continue working with him in light, profitable comedies, he will reveal unflattering information about her to Morrell. Frightened that this will destroy her relationship, Stanton picks up a statue from Dunning's desk and delivers a fatal blow. Fortunately, because she is wearing her trademark long black gloves, there are no fingerprints, and Stanton creates a plausible alibi. Suspicion therefore shifts to Marian Webster, a rival of Stanton's who finds the body and was once romantically involved with Dunning. Stanton seems to have gotten away with murder -- but can she avoid making any mistakes as police captain Danbury proceeds with the investigation? ~ Craig Butler, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 37 min.
Directed By: Jack Gage
Written By: Walter Reilly, Leo Rosten
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Drama

In Theaters: Jul 13, 1948 Wide

Critic Reviews

Sean Axmaker, Turner Classic Movies Online
(The)staging is more theatrical than cinematic, appropriate perhaps for a film so steeped in the culture of Broadway but less effective in building tension...
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A sparkling crime melodrama richly steeped in theatrical atmosphere.

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Great performances from Rosalind Russell, Claire Trevor and Sydney Greenstreet and an enjoyable story make this one well worth seeking out. Neat twist ending!

Cast

            Rosalind Russell as Valerie Stanton

            Leo Genn as Michael Morrell

            Claire Trevor as Marian Webster

            Sydney Greenstreet as Capt. Danbury

            Leon Ames as Gordon Dunning

            Frank McHugh as Ernie Boyle

            Walter Kingsford as Peter Gunther

            Dan Tobin as Jeff Trent Columnist

            Lex Barker as Paul Banton

            Nydia Westman as Susan Crane

            Theresa Harris as Nancy

            Irving Bacon as Harvey

            Esther Howard as Pansy Dupont

            Harry Hayden as Mr. Crouch

            William Erwin as Howard Forman

            Martha Hyer as Helen Adams

            Louis Mason as Terry

            James Flavin as Sgt. Oliphant

            Charles McAvoy as Barney Soper

            Dan Foster as Eddie Brown

            Russell Hicks as Judge Brack

            James Todd as George Tesman

            Joyce Arling as Mrs. Elvested

            Phillip Barnes as Ejlert Lovborg

            Bessie Wade as Bertha

            Michael St. Angel as Jimmy

            Bess Flowers as Woman at Party

            Jim Drum
            
            Allan Ray
            
            Bill Wallace as Reporter
See full cast