Lady on a Train

Watch Lady on a Train

"Deanna... on a Man (Oh! Man) Hunt!"
  • Passed
  • 1945
  • 1 hr 34 min
  • 6.7  (2,542)
  • 48

Lady on a Train is a 1945 American film noir directed by Charles David and starring Deanna Durbin, Ralph Bellamy and David Bruce. The film follows Nicki Collins, played by Deanna Durbin, a young woman who witnesses a murder while on a train.
As the train passes by an apartment building, Nicki sees a woman's murder in progress, but unfortunately can only see the killer's back. She gets off the train and reports the crime to the police but they seem to think it was all a figment of her imagination, and brush her off. Nicki is determined to find justice for the woman she saw and sets out to solve the mystery herself.

The film is set in New York City, with much of the action taking place in the trendy Murray Hill neighbourhood. Nicki is a high-spirited character who is not afraid to speak out, and she immediately sets to work trying to uncover the identity of the killer. Along the way, she teams up with a famous mystery writer, Wayne Morgan (played by David Bruce), who is intrigued by Nicki's eye for detail and her hunches. Together, they try to track down the killer.

As they investigate, they meet a number of eccentric characters, including the victim's sister, who happens to be a fortune teller, and a group of sinister looking businessmen who are up to no good. They also encounter a sleazy private detective, played by Ralph Bellamy, who seems to be more interested in Nicki than in finding the killer.

The film is a fast-paced thriller, with a number of twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the very end. There are some comedic moments as well, particularly when Nicki and Wayne are trying to evade the police and end up in some ridiculous situations. However, the overall tone of the film is quite dark, with a number of scenes set in shadowy alleys and grimy backstreets.

The film's standout performance is undoubtedly by Deanna Durbin, who was already a hugely popular singer and actress by the time the film was made. She brings a real energy and enthusiasm to the role of Nicki, and is convincing as both a young woman with a good heart, and a determined amateur detective. David Bruce is also solid as Wayne Morgan, and the two have a good chemistry on screen.

The film's visuals are impressive, with some memorable shots of the New York skyline and a number of well-staged action scenes. There is also an excellent use of sound throughout the film, with the train's rhythmic motion providing an eerie backdrop to Nicki's investigation. The film's score is also noteworthy, with a number of catchy jazz and swing tunes.

Overall, Lady on a Train is an engaging and entertaining thriller, with a strong lead performance from Deanna Durbin. It's a film that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, and is worth watching for anyone interested in classic Hollywood cinema or film noir in general.

Lady on a Train
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Description
  • Release Date
    1945
  • MPAA Rating
    Passed
  • Runtime
    1 hr 34 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.7  (2,542)
  • Metascore
    48