Impact - 1949

I once argued that if it has a happy ending, it ain't a film noir, but this film has made me reconsider. It's noir alright, with the pretty, glamorous wife plotting to kill her husband with her lover, and a truly great scene leading up to said murder attempt. In the Idaho part of the movie, the lighting is probably too cheerful, the people too decent and the eventual outcome too sunny, but Ella Raines is so cute you forgive that right away. Brian Donlevy is also great, convincing both as the energetic loving husband at the beginning and as the angry, desperate man he becomes. This isn't great noir, but it is mighty enjoyable, and it fully earns its happy conclusion.