- The Velvet Touch
"The Velvet Touch" is a 1948 American
drama film released by RKO. At its center is Broadway leading lady Valerie Stanton, who accidentally kills her producer and former lover, Gordon Dunning, during an argument about the direction her career should take. He expects her to sign for his next production, a typical frothycomedy for which he is known, while she wants to accept an offer to star in a revival of "Hedda Gabler " in order to prove her versatility as an actress. Other characters involved in the plot are Valerie's new beau Michael Morrell, supporting actress Marian Webster, who is accused of committing Valerie's crime, and police Capt. Danbury, who may know more than he's willing to admit.The dialogue in
Leo Rosten 'sscreenplay , adapted from a story byWilliam Mercer andAnnabel Ross , anticipates the witty repartee in "All About Eve " (1950) and "Auntie Mame" (1958).The cast, directed by Jack Gage, includes
Rosalind Russell as Valerie Stanton,Leon Ames as Gordon Dunning,Leo Genn as Michael Morrell,Claire Trevor as Marian Webster, andSydney Greenstreet as Capt. Danbury.The title song, with lush music by
Leigh Harline and romantic lyrics byMort Greene , was sung during the opening and closing credits by an unidentified male chorus. It was an atypical choice for a film of this genre.The film was produced by Russell's husband Frederick Brisson.
External links
* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040934 IMDb entry]
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