‘Underrated’ crime thriller fans hail ‘masterpiece’ streaming on BBC iPlayer now | Films | Entertainment

The film noir masterpiece Angel Face, featuring Jean Simmons and Robert Mitchum, has been lauded as ‘first class’ by cinema enthusiasts and is now accessible on BBC iPlayer.

The 1953 classic introduces us to the elegant Diane Tremayne, portrayed by Jean Simmons. Diane is a wealthy sophisticate with a knack for manipulation, hiding a sinister side beneath her polished exterior and impeccable manners.

Following the sudden demise of her stepmother (Barbara O’Neil), Diane sets her sights on the dashing Frank Jessup (Robert Mitchum).

As she begins to charm him, Frank grows suspicious that Diane may have played a more sinister role in her stepmother’s death than she admits.

The film boasts a stellar cast including Jean Simmons and Robert Mitchum, alongside Mona Freeman, Herbert Marshall, Leon Ames, Barbara O’Neil and Kenneth Tobey.

Despite its 1950s origins, Angel Face remains a revered film noir gem, boasting a commendable 77 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reports the Mirror.

One reviewer on the site praised: “Beautiful and dark film with all kinds of Freudian themes. Simmons is spectacular, as is Mitchum.”

Another said: “I liked the darkness of this classic 50s noir. The ending is predictable but fun. This one was watched on BBC iPlayer.”

A third added: “Women pulling a man’s strings to get him to do the undoable. 1001 movies to see before you die,”.

A fourth viewer wrote: “Very disturbing and dire blend of a melodrama and film noir. Angel Face shows its true, psychotic face in the persona of Diane Treymayne, a wealthy, stepmother-hating 19-year old girl, who seduces an ambulance driver named Frank, and soon gets him to work for her family and live in their house. Even though he tries to get away from her abusing grasps, he is still infatuated with her affected charm.

“Sinking deeper and deeper for Diane’s own amusement, Frank soon is dragged into one hell of a ride. Great piano score creates a distressing mood and a perfectly sombre atmosphere in some of the movie’s most important scenes.

“Robert Mitchum and Jean Simmons did an incredible job here. Otto Preminger created yet another stupendous noir.”

A fifth said: “While the storyline itself is unoriginal, the script is first class and so are the performances. Meow, Jean Simmons is riveting as the femme fatale in this classy noir! Robert Mitchum is perfect too as the cynical Frank. A must see for film noir fans!”.

Another review read: “A very underrated film noir with one of the most shocking endings I have seen!”.

Angel Face is now available on BBC iPlayer.