What a tangle web we weave when we first practice to deceive! That seems to be the gist of today's film. A happy ending will only occur by remembering biblical wisdom of "The truth will set you free." Still, the truth isn't easy. It also has consequences. Loss of everything is a tough pill to swallow. Our feature takes place in two places. First the City Desk of the New York Star. Then the streets of New York City as homicide detectives race to solve a murder. Let us delve into 1946's "Night Editor," directed by Henry Levin.
Poor Johnny (Coulter Irwin). A cub reporter with marriage problems. His marriage may be on the outs and at such a young age. So sad. But wait! His editor, Crane Stewart (Charles D. Brown) tells him the story of a beleaguered homicide detective, Lieutenant Tony Cochrane (William Gargan). See, Tony has a loving and beautiful wife (Jeff Donnell), and a doting little boy. He loves them, but the poor detective has gotten himself in an affair with a wealthy married socialite, Jill (Janis Carter). Jill is glamorous, rich, and 100% trouble. To carry on the affair, Tony lies to his fellow cops and his family. Jill won't let him go. One night when they are making out in the cop car by the seashore, the amorous duo witness a murder. She's married, and so is he. Neither can come forward.
Ridden with guilt, Tony figures he's in a moral mess. Uh oh...he's assigned to the case as soon as the dead socialite is found at the shore. Now Tony is horrified at the ease in which Jill is fine with saying nothing. Uh oh...clues are found and if Tony doesn't make them go away, he will be found out. Jill won't let Tony go and now she has something to blackmail him with. Tony knows Jill has the power to control him, thus he continues the affair. Coming clean is not an option for Tony as it would mean he will be fired, lose his family, and go to prison. Uh oh...the cops arrest and convict someone for the murder. What's worse, Tony knows the guy is innocent and a poor schmuck has a date with the electric chair.
Will Tony come clean and risk everything? Will Jill allow him to confess to his actions? Is there a possible scenario where this will end well for Tony? The truth will take his burden away but will also cost him everything. Miss Carter is sultry and fabulous as the femme fatale that controls Tony. Mr. Gargan is terrific as the hulking homicide detective with burdens. The ending is surprising and also quite vicious. See the Film Noir classic, "Night Editor."
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