Director Robert Siodmak and actress Ella Raines had an incredibly busy 1944 by studio-system standards. Raines, a captivating beauty who debuted just a year earlier, appeared in five features. She was billed above the title in "Tall In The Saddle" alongside John Wayne and starred in two of Siodmak's four movies that year. Their subsequent collaborations over the next few years included noir films like "Phantom Lady" and "The Suspect", and they were both involved in many noir and noir-adjacent projects. But by the 1950s, their Hollywood careers had waned.

The Unforgettable Journey of Robert Siodmak and Ella Raines in the Film World

1944: A Year of Productivity

In 1944, Robert Siodmak and Ella Raines were both at the peak of their careers. Raines, with her striking looks, appeared in a variety of films. She was part of Preston Sturges' "Hail The Conquering Hero" and John Wayne's "Tall In The Saddle". Siodmak, who had fled the Nazis, was closely tied to noir. His films like "The Killers" and "Criss Cross" are now regarded as classics. Raines and Siodmak's first collaboration, "Phantom Lady", was particularly notable. It had a convoluted mystery that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.The story follows Scott Henderson (Alan Curtis) who meets a stranger after a fight with his wife. When he returns home, he finds his wife murdered and is suspected. His coworker Carol Richman (Ella Raines) sets out to prove his innocence. Raines' performance in this film was truly remarkable. She drew the eye with her mysterious face and vibe.

Noir and Beyond

While Raines was often associated with noir, she also appeared in other genres. In "The Suspect", Charles Laughton's character develops a crush on Mary Gray (Raines), and their relationship unfolds in a unique way. The movie has a proto-noir atmosphere with foggy streets and a dreamy ending.In "The Strange Affair Of Uncle Harry", Geraldine Fitzgerald and George Sanders have a complex relationship, and Deborah (Raines) becomes an escape hatch. The movie has less physical darkness but still has noir elements.In "Time Out Of Mind", Raines plays a devoted sister. The movie has a more gothic look, but the family melodrama plot is a bit turgid.

The Later Years

After their collaboration with Siodmak ended, Raines continued to act in various films. She had strong scenes in "Brute Force" and "The Web", but her career gradually wound down. Siodmak, on the other hand, moved on to Europe and made different types of movies.Raines' ability to play contradictory notes in her films made her an enticing presence. She never fit into a clear genre and was able to bring a unique quality to her roles.Even when Siodmak's films were supposedly limiting his range, they were often weirder and more dreamlike. Raines and Siodmak seemed to be kindred spirits in the shadows.