Three Strangers (1946)

On the eve of the Chinese New Year, three strangers make a wish to a Chinese goddess for money: a solicitor (Sydney Greenstreet), an alcoholic (Peter Lorre) and a manipulative and obsessive woman (Geraldine Fitzgerald). But what good will the money do them if fate already has their destinies plotted out? Directed by Jean Negulesco (THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN) from an original screenplay co-written by John Huston. It's a nifty film noir with curves and irony. The three leads are very good with Peter Lorre in one of his best roles and the usually docile Fitzgerald getting a chance to play a wicked woman. The film was originally planned with bigger stars in the leads but I'm glad that the trio that normally played supporting roles were put into the starring roles. It gives the movie an intrepid texture. The atmospheric score is by Adolph Deutsch (THE MALTESE FALCON) and the suitably ambient cinematography is by Arthur Edeson (CASABLANCA). A real treat for noir fans. With Joan Lorring, Peter Whitney, Marjorie Riordan and Alan Napier.