She Played With Fire (1957)

She Played With Fire (1957) is a psychological Limey thriller noir sort of Brit insurance fraud melodrama mystery with widespread stiff upper lippery and confusion raining doubt on a lovely couple of paranoiacs.

She Played with Fire, also known as Fortune Is a Woman, is a captivating British-American film noir from 1957, directed by Sidney Gilliat. The film stars Jack Hawkins as Oliver Branwell, an insurance investigator who finds himself entangled in a web of arson, blackmail, and murder after a chance encounter with an old flame, Sarah Moreton, played by Arlene Dahl.

The story begins with Oliver being assigned to investigate a fire at the mansion of Tracey Moreton (Dennis Price) on Christmas Eve. Upon arrival, Oliver is surprised to find that Tracey’s wife, Sarah, is his former lover from five years ago. Despite the awkward reunion, Oliver proceeds with his investigation and discovers that a valuable painting, supposedly destroyed in the fire, had actually been sold prior to the incident.

Christopher Lee in She Played With Fire (1957)

As the plot unfolds, Oliver finds Tracey dead under suspicious circumstances and begins to suspect Sarah’s involvement. The narrative is enriched with gothic horror elements and a series of red herrings that keep the audience guessing. The film’s atmosphere is further enhanced by the setting of a foggy, smog-filled London, reminiscent of the 1950s.

Supporting performances from Geoffrey Keen and his real-life father add depth to the story, portraying Oliver’s employers. The minor characters are well-rounded and contribute to the believability of the plot. The film also features a notable performance by Greta Gynt as the flirtatious Vere Litchen.

She Played with Fire, directed by Sidney Gilliat and written by Frank Launder, is a classic noir melodrama based on Winston Graham’s novel “Fortune is a Woman. The film follows Oliver Branwell (Jack Hawkins), a young insurance investigator with only two years of experience, who is assigned to investigate a small electrical fire at Louis Manor on Christmas Eve. 

The fire has damaged several paintings, and the estate is owned by Tracey Moreton (Dennis Price). To Oliver’s surprise, Tracey’s wife, Sarah (Arlene Dahl), is his former lover. Despite their past, they both pretend not to know each other.

Oliver suspects foul play but keeps quiet, driven by his desire to see Sarah again. The plot unfolds into a Hitchcockian mystery involving fires, fraud, blackmail, art theft, forgery, and romance. Oliver’s reputation and career are at stake as he navigates these complexities.

Christopher Lee delivers a memorable performance as a Welsh murder suspect and aspiring opera singer, adding a touch of dark humour to the film. The story keeps the audience guessing until the end, making it a compelling watch for fans of the style.

She Played with Fire is a film that evokes nostalgia for a bygone era of England, characterized by slow cars, fur coats, and nights out at nightclubs. The depiction of Scotland Yard and the police officers, who resemble Michael Goodliffe, adds to the authenticity of the setting.

The film’s climax reveals a neat twist, tying together the various threads of the story. The combination of noir and gothic horror elements, along with the strong performances, makes She Played with Fire a memorable and intriguing mystery. Jack Hawkins’ portrayal of Oliver is particularly noteworthy, as he navigates the complexities of the plot with a sense of tension and intelligence12.

In summary, She Played with Fire is a better-than-average crime noir that keeps the audience engaged with its intricate plot and well-developed characters. The film serves as a reminder of an England that no longer exists, capturing the essence of the 1950s with its atmospheric setting and nostalgic elements. The performances, especially by Hawkins and Dahl, elevate the film, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Jack Hawkins with cigarette smoking clues in She Played With Fire (1957)