Scarlet Street
Cashier and part-time starving artist Christopher Cross is absolutely smitten with the beautiful Kitty March. Kitty plays along, but she's really only interested in Johnny, a two-bit crook. When Kitty and Johnny find out that art dealers are interested in Chris's work, they con him into letting Kitty take credit for the paintings. Cross allows it because he is in love with Kitty, but his love will only let her get away with so much.
Critics Sentiment
Christopher Cross murders Kitty March with an ice pick
Johnny Prince convinces Kitty to manipulate Chris for his money
The film builds from Chris's slow realization of being deceived to the shocking murder climax, jumping from 6.9 to 9.1 as the psychological tension explodes into violence.
Scarlet Street receives consistent praise for its masterful psychological descent, with reviewers noting how Fritz Lang expertly builds sympathy for Chris Cross before delivering a shocking and cynical conclusion. While some find the first half slow or predictable, most critics celebrate the film's increasingly dark trajectory and devastating ending as exemplary film noir. The performances, particularly Robinson's portrayal of the pathetic Chris, earn widespread acclaim for their complexity and emotional depth.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 59
Edward G. Robinson
Christopher Cross
Joan Bennett
Katherine 'Kitty' March
Dan Duryea
Johnny Prince
Margaret Lindsay
Millie Ray
Jess Barker
David Janeway
Rosalind Ivan
Adele Cross
Charles Kemper
Homer Higgins
Anita Sharp-Bolster
Laura Michaels
Samuel S. Hinds
Charles Pringle
Vladimir Sokoloff
Pop LeJon
Arthur Loft
Dellarowe
Russell Hicks
J.J. Hogarth
Richard Abbott
Critic at Gallery (uncredited)
Rodney Bell
Barney (uncredited)
Richard Cramer
Principal Keeper (uncredited)
Dick Curtis
Detective (uncredited)
Tom Daly
Penny - Bartender (uncredited)
Edgar Dearing
Policeman (uncredited)
Joe Devlin
Joe Williams, Morning World (uncredited)
Tom Dillon
Policeman (uncredited)
Crew
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