Don’t be silly, dah-ling. Your money is safe with me. Image: IMDb
Sometimes you want to see movie characters with pure motive – no layers, psychology, or (shudder) backstory.
Now, by “pure motive” we mean All Motive, as in, Good or Evil, and we have a film that specializes in this Very Thing.
Temptation (1946) stars the tall-haired Merle Oberon as a woman with a Past who is All About the Money. Her character is a completely self-absorbed phoney baloney, just shy of campy caricature. Unhappily for the men in her life, she has enough of the Refinements of her era to fool them.
Oberon, at first, is proud of her inability to love. We suspect there is a Tragic Story in her past, but, fortunately, we are spared these Sordid Details. She marries the affable (and wealthy) George Brent, an Egyptologist who brings her to Cairo – and who, conveniently, spends a lot of time at his excavation site.
Oberon gamely tries to make a New Life Egypt, but – alas! – she is bored, bored, bored.
But look! She meets a handsome young man (Charles Korvin), who is a professional blackmailer of women. He isn’t blinded by love or flattery, but he is easily outsmarted by his tremendous ego.
Korvin and Oberon are well matched; each sees the other for who they truly are. But Oberon makes the mistake of falling in love with Korvin, a love that can only lead to murder.
Temptation could be considered a film noir, but it’s really a study in Power and Motive, and who deserves the Top Spot in the Fatale Food Chain (FFC).
Brent, the cuckolded husband, is, sadly, at the bottom of the FFC. His motive is pure: He has a genuine interest in ancient Egyptian history, and he’s helplessly in love with his wife. His limited power comes from the respect he receives from his peers and neighbours.
(Digression: We’re normally lukewarm towards Brent as actor, but we really like him here as a man who blindly trusts a woman, No Matter What.)
Just above Brent on the FFC is Arnold Moss, the police captain. He has power only because he has The Law on his side, but he’s hamstrung by the need for Concrete Proof and Evidence.
Any thriller/film noir worth its Salt will place the femme fatale (or homme fatale) at the top of the FFC. Temptation has both persons fatale, and each struggles to maintain superiority over the other. Oberon is a master manipulator, but so is Korvin, and it’s difficult to guess who will ultimately triumph.
Temptation is based on the popular 1909 novel, Bella Donna, by British novelist and Renaissance Man Robert Hichens. This novel was, apparently, one of the top best-selling books in the United States at the time.
In 1912, the novel was adapted for the Broadway stage, then it was adapted for film in 1915 and again in 1923.
Reviews were mixed for 1946’s Temptation. Variety thought the story was stretched too thin, while our pal Bosley Crowther of the New York Times called it “claptrap”.
Ultimate Movie Rankings lists it at 120 on the box office rankings for 1946, but it did have a respectable domestic gross of $64 million US (adjusted).
This film is underrated, in our opinion. Because of its historical setting, it has a slightly different vibe for a noir. But it is an excellent study in power and motive, and who might outwit whom at the top of the Fatale Food Chain.
Temptation: starring Merle Oberon, George Brent, Charles Korvin. Directed by Irving Pichel. Written by Robert Thoeren. International Pictures, 1946, B&W, 98 mins.
The other day someone asked what my fave film noir was, and I couldn’t answer. It’s an impossible question, right? However, what are some of your fave noirs that you’ve been sifting through?
I’m not sure why Merle Oberon isn’t more beloved by classic film fans. She was a good actress–and beautiful as well. She starred in a number of quality films, too. I know she has her fans, but I’ve never understood why she never reached the icon status of some of her fellow stars.
Silver Screenings 
I love this, oh for more uncomplicated films like this… even good ol JR Ewing had a motive. Please say this is this full of torrid passion???
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, you know it. This movie is almost nothing but!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Excellent, I do love those soapy torrid romances and only watchable with the all essential cake…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly! No one ever talks about the importance of cake in these situations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never heard of this one before, sounds like a fun good time though. Sometimes simplicity is the best way to go.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree, especially with a story like this. There are a lot of shenanigans going on, and a person need to keep them all straight.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Among all the various film genres, do you have a favorite? Noir, perhaps?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, no favourite among all the film genres. I guess it depends on the mood I’m in. What about you? What are some of your fave genres?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Character-driven dramas are among my faves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too. They make for the most engaging films, I think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s right! Talk noir to me! 🙂
I haven’t seen this one. Love the concept of the Fatale Food Chain!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, it’s a battle between the femme fatale and the homme fatale here. I found it hard to guess how it would turn out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like fun. I’ll have to add it to my list of must-see movies! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Trying to get hold of it now. You are influential. One man’s “Claptrap” is often another generation’s affirmative.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You said it! I hope you enjoy if you do get a chance to see it. The two “fatale” characters ooze with agenda and motive.
LikeLike
I’d watch this just for the costumes alone–scrumptious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yeah, Merle Oberon’s wardrobe is A-MAZ-ING.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, the intrigue. What is it about bad boys that make them so tempting? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! There’s LOTS of intrigue in this film. Guaranteed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the idea of a food chain. So true. I’m sifting through my favorite noirs now….
LikeLiked by 1 person
The other day someone asked what my fave film noir was, and I couldn’t answer. It’s an impossible question, right? However, what are some of your fave noirs that you’ve been sifting through?
LikeLike
Pretty sure I haven’t seen this one so will look it up
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a juicy one. Lots of motive, and hard to tell how it all might end. Enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Temptation sounds intriguing and sometimes I like claptrap!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ll find it all in this film. 😉
LikeLike
I’m not sure why Merle Oberon isn’t more beloved by classic film fans. She was a good actress–and beautiful as well. She starred in a number of quality films, too. I know she has her fans, but I’ve never understood why she never reached the icon status of some of her fellow stars.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, that’s a really good question. She had all the makings of a Star, but that legendary status still eludes her, as you say. A real shame.
LikeLike