Synopsis

In Fritz Lang's WOMAN IN THE WINDOW, a tense psychological melodrama, a meek college professor, Wanley (Edward G. Robinson), gets mixed up in murder and blackmail. In a discussion with some male colleagues at his club, Wanley expresses his attraction to a painting of a beautiful woman and ponders the possibility of having a love adventure later in life. A little while later, Wanley is shocked to encounter the painting's model, Alice Reed (Joan Bennet), standing right next to him on the street. She invites him to her apartment to look at a few other pieces of art, but while he's there, an angry man storms into the apartment. The man accuses Alice of cheating on him and tries to attack the professor, and Wanley kills the man in self-defense. The police soon discover the murder and Wanly begins living in fear of being caught. In time, the accidental killing gives rise to blackmail, deception, and more murder, spinning THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW into a tragic and claustrophobic meditation on fate, crime, and punishment. Dazzlingly orchestrated, the film shows Lang's masterful direction and evocative cinematography and editing.

Suggestions

Double Indemnity (B&W)
Killing, The (BW)
Man who Knew too Much, The (1934) (B&W)
Killer's Kiss (BW)
Ministry Of Fear (B&W)
99 River Street (B&W)
Big Heat, The
Human Desire