Jane Greer is undoubtedly best remembered for her splendid portrayal of the sexy femme fatale Kathie Moffat in Jacques Tourneur's film noir classic, Out of the Past (1947). But this classy dame, a stunning beauty with a perpetually cocked eyebrow, was a topnotch actress, holding her own against the likes of Deborah Kerr and Stewart Granger in the '52 version of The Prisoner of Zenda, Gary Cooper in You're in the Navy Now (1951), and James Cagney in Man of a Thousand Faces (1957). If you haven't seen it, I would recommend 1949's The Big Steal, a fun action romp in which Ms. Greer re-teams with her Out of the Past co-star, Robert Mitchum. Later in her career, the actress starred in an Out of the Past remake, Against All Odds, playing Rachel Ward's mother (Ward herself playing Greer's character from the original) and had a small part in David Lynch's cult TV series, Twin Peaks, as the mother of Norma (the owner of the diner). The Cafe salutes this talented lady!
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Sunday, September 13, 2009
"And then she walked in out of the moonlight, smiling..."
Jane Greer is undoubtedly best remembered for her splendid portrayal of the sexy femme fatale Kathie Moffat in Jacques Tourneur's film noir classic, Out of the Past (1947). But this classy dame, a stunning beauty with a perpetually cocked eyebrow, was a topnotch actress, holding her own against the likes of Deborah Kerr and Stewart Granger in the '52 version of The Prisoner of Zenda, Gary Cooper in You're in the Navy Now (1951), and James Cagney in Man of a Thousand Faces (1957). If you haven't seen it, I would recommend 1949's The Big Steal, a fun action romp in which Ms. Greer re-teams with her Out of the Past co-star, Robert Mitchum. Later in her career, the actress starred in an Out of the Past remake, Against All Odds, playing Rachel Ward's mother (Ward herself playing Greer's character from the original) and had a small part in David Lynch's cult TV series, Twin Peaks, as the mother of Norma (the owner of the diner). The Cafe salutes this talented lady!
Sark , did you know that Lizabeth Scott was signed to play the female lead in The Big Steal? But because of Bob's"Weed Problem" did not want to have anything to do with him. Jane was his pal and said why not.I've heard this Don Segal film called a "Screwball Film Noir" I just love it.
ReplyDeletePaul, I hadn't heard that but am not surprised! I can't imagine any other female in the lead in THE BIG STEAL. Perhaps it's one time when Mitchum's predilection for a particular substance was a good thing.
ReplyDeleteGreat post on a truly underappreciated actress, Sark! What I love about Jane Greer is that she could project both feminity and toughness. Put another way, she could look stunning, but hang with the guys, too. I like the 1952 Prisoner of Zenda remake, but have this problem with it: Why is Robert Douglas's character pursuing Deborah Kerr when Jane Greer loves him? I mean, I'm a huge Deborah Kerr fan (as you know), but Jane's character loves him! And it's Jane Greer, for pete's sake.
ReplyDeleteWho said he was smart Rick?
ReplyDeleteJane Greer's turn in OUT OF THE PAST put her into the Hall of Fame of femme fatales...or femmes fatale...she's one of the best. And those large, liquid eyes helped imply more softness than Kathie actually possessed. Greer was still an enigmatic beauty in AGAINST ALL ODDS...Rachel Ward, however, was not in her league as femme fatale or actress...I don't think I've seen THE BIG STEAL, but I will now.
ReplyDeletenice article on one of my favrite actress. hard to believe she was married to Rudi Vallee for a short bit. odd couple.
ReplyDeleteLady Eve do see The Big Steal and like us know what you think.BTW if was mostly shot in Mexico, and pay attention. No one is really who they seem, and I've said to much already.
ReplyDeleteEve, Rachel Ward was indeed no Jane Greer, but I did really like Ms. Ward in DEAD MEN DON'T WEAR PLAID. And I agree that Greer was still gorgeous in AGAINST ALL ODDS. When she filmed TWIN PEAKS, she was around 66 years of age and looked the same as she did in OUT OF THE PAST when she was in her early 20s. That look, as if she's always planning something and yet doesn't care if her plan works, was still there. Astounding! I could have watched her serve drinks to three men, who all subsequently died of apparent poisoning, and as soon as she handed me a drink and looked me in the face -- well, by golly, I would've had myself a drink if she just asked.
ReplyDeleteWell said sarkoffagus! A round of drinks for everyone & a toast to the beauty in the moonlight! May her image be etched forever within our unworthy souls.
ReplyDelete