Nightmare
10-minute short Nightmare, with Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh.
Insights
Plot Summary
A jazz musician, Gene Ramsey, wakes up with amnesia and a severe head injury, seemingly after a bar fight. As he tries to piece together his past, he becomes entangled in a murder investigation. He is haunted by fragmented memories and suspicious of everyone, including himself, as he delves deeper into a dangerous world of jazz clubs, shady characters, and a beautiful singer who may hold the key to his identity.
Critical Reception
Nightmare is a well-regarded B-movie noir, often praised for its atmospheric tension and strong central performance by Edward G. Robinson. While not a blockbuster, it found a solid audience among fans of the genre for its tight plotting and effective suspense.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its taut, suspenseful atmosphere and effective use of noir conventions.
- Edward G. Robinson delivers a compelling performance as a man battling amnesia and paranoia.
- The film's intricate plot and moody cinematography contribute to its overall effectiveness.
Google audience: Audience reviews are generally positive, with viewers appreciating the film's mystery elements and Robinson's performance. It's often cited as a solid example of a post-war noir thriller.
Fun Fact
The film is notable for its subjective camera work, particularly during Gene Ramsey's memory flashbacks, which aims to place the audience directly within his disoriented state of mind.
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