The Chase (1946), directed by Arthur Ripley, with Robert Cummings, Michele Morgan and Steve Cochran.

Returning a lost wallet gains unemployed ex-WWII serviceman Chuck Scott (Robert Cummings) a job as chauffeur to Eddie Roman (Steve Cochran), a gangster whose enemies have a way of meeting violent ends. This driving job proves nerve-wracking, and soon Chuck finds himself caught up with Eddie’s fearful wife Lorna (Michele Morgan) who wants desperately to escape her life as a kept woman. Chuck is caught like a rat in a trap, vainly seeking a way out of his predicament through the dark streets. And the real chase begins when the strange plot starts all over again.

Among the popular themes of post-war noirs were the difficulties of American servicemen re-adjusting to civilian life and the effects of PTSD (Post Trauma Stress Disorder), and we see both of these in The Chase. The film’s screenplay is based on a Cornell Woolrich story, with adjustments as required for the story to comply with the Production Code. Much of the action was framed as a dream sequence so that the characters could escape the consequences of their actions. The resulting film is quite unusual.

Watch out for Peter Lorre in prime form as a sadistic henchman.

Digital Presentation.

Doors open at 18.30, for a 19.30 start.

Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.

TICKETS & PRICING

Tickets £8.

Advance tickets may be purchased from Ticketlab, or direct from the Museum by calling 020 7840 2200 in office hours.