Larceny (1948)

Along with his partner (Dan Duryea), a grifter called Rick (John Payne) attempts to swindle a war widow (Joan Caulfield) out of her savings by setting up a non existent war memorial to her dead husband. But things get complicated when he begins to have romantic feelings for the widow. Then there's his partner's no good mistress (Shelley Winters) who threatens to muck up the plan unless Rick runs off with her. Based on the novel THE VELVET FLEECE by Lois Eby and John Fleming and directed by George Sherman (AGAINST ALL FLAGS). For most of its running time, this is a solid crime thriller with noir-ish trimmings. Alas, it can't sustain its momentum and the film's rushed conclusion is a mess. It's a bummer because it had all the makings of a first rate B pulp film. The acting is decent and in Shelley Winters' case, more than that. She makes for a terrific brassy no good tramp. If you can forgive the movie its lame ending, crime and noir fans should find a lot to like here. With Dan O'Herlihy, Dorothy Hart, Percy Helton and Paul Brinegar.