Step into the shadowy world of film noir with The Window, a gripping thriller from 1949, now beautifully colorized for a viewing experience like never before. Based on Cornell Woolrich’s chilling short story “The Boy Cried Murder,” this film, directed by Ted Tetzlaff, delivers a tense and suspenseful narrative set against the backdrop of New York City’s gritty Lower East Side. Perfect for film noir enthusiasts and those seeking a classic thriller with a compelling performance from young Bobby Driscoll, this HD download brings a timeless tale of suspense and disbelief to your screen.
The Window tells the story of Tommy Woodry (Bobby Driscoll), a nine-year-old boy with a penchant for telling tall tales. Living in a tenement with his parents, Tommy’s reputation for fabrication has made him the boy who cried wolf one too many times.
One sweltering summer night, seeking respite from the heat, Tommy sleeps on the fire escape outside his family’s apartment. From his perch, he witnesses his neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Kellerson, brutally murder a drunken sailor in their apartment. Terrified, Tommy rushes to tell his parents and the police what he has seen, but his past lies have eroded his credibility. No one believes him.
The Kellersons, aware that Tommy is the sole witness to their crime, begin to see him as a threat. With Tommy’s mother away caring for a sick relative and his father working the night shift, the murderous neighbors plot to silence Tommy for good. Trapped and alone, Tommy must find a way to convince someone of the danger he is in before it’s too late. What ensues is a harrowing game of cat and mouse as Tommy desperately tries to evade his pursuers and prove that he is telling the truth. The Window is a masterclass in suspense, exploring themes of disbelief, vulnerability, and the terrifying consequences of being ignored.
The film features a talented cast of actors who bring this suspenseful story to life:
Bobby Driscoll as Tommy Woodry
Barbara Hale as Mrs. Mary Woodry
Arthur Kennedy as Mr. Ed Woodry
Paul Stewart as Joe Kellerson
Ruth Roman as Mrs. Jean Kellerson
The Window falls squarely into the genre of film noir, with elements of suspense and thriller that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Its dark atmosphere, moral ambiguity, and focus on crime and paranoia are all hallmarks of the genre.
Released in 1949, The Window reflects the post-war fascination with suspense and the anxieties of urban life. The film’s on-location shooting in New York City lends it a sense of realism, immersing viewers in the gritty world of the Lower East Side tenement. The film’s success demonstrated a growing appetite for thrillers that explored the darker side of human nature and the vulnerabilities of individuals within the city.
This colorized version of The Window has been meticulously restored using modern digital techniques, enhancing the visual appeal while preserving the film’s original atmosphere of suspense and tension. The colorization process involved carefully analyzing the grayscale tones of the original black and white footage and assigning appropriate colors to each scene. This painstaking process brings new life to the characters and settings, making the story even more engaging for modern audiences. While some may debate the merits of colorizing classic films, it introduces these films to a broader audience, ensuring their legacy for future generations.
: Ted Tetzlaff
: Mel Dinelli
: the short story “The Boy Cried Murder” (reprinted as “Fire Escape”) by Cornell Woolrich
: Robert De Grasse
: Frederick Knudtson
: RKO Pictures
: RKO Pictures
: 73 minutes
: MP4
: HD (1080p)
: Compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
The Window (1949) was a critical and commercial success upon its release, praised for its taut direction, suspenseful plot, and Bobby Driscoll’s outstanding performance. It remains a highly regarded example of film noir, celebrated for its ability to create a sense of unease and paranoia. As a classic thriller with a timeless appeal, The Window continues to captivate audiences with its gripping story and memorable characters.
: What is The Window about?
A: The Window is a suspenseful thriller about a boy who witnesses a murder but is not believed because of his reputation for telling tall tales.
: Is The Window (1949) a well-known film noir?
A: The Window is a highly regarded example of film noir, known for its suspenseful plot and atmospheric setting.
: Is this version of The Window colorized?
A: Yes, this version has been professionally colorized to enhance the viewing experience.
: What makes The Window interesting for film noir fans?
A: The Window offers a classic example of film noir themes, including paranoia, moral ambiguity, and the dark side of urban life.
: What is the download format?
A: The download format is MP4, which is compatible with most devices.
: What resolution is the download?
A: The resolution is HD (1080p), providing a high-quality viewing experience.
Watch The Window Today!