I did what? The funny things you learn at your own murder trial!
Dishonored Lady (1947) follows the travails of the editor of a fashion magazine, Miss Damien, who has always done exactly what she wants, and has never found any of it fulfilling.
Until, under an assumed name and identity, she meets and assists a budding medical researcher, Dr. Cousins. They fall in love, but her previous life catches up with her, and one of her magnificently rich lovers is killed while seducing her. She is accused in the murder, and her fiancee only now discovers that she’s been living a lie with him, angrily withdrawing, until her psychiatrist intervenes. When her trial reveals information not known to the prosecution nor the defense, new opportunities arise – as do dangers.
While it’s an interesting story, it’s not fascinating. There’s not a terrible amount of cleverness present, and Miss Damien’s affability towards anyone with a penis is a little disturbing, although perhaps part of the psychological dimension of the plot. Still, to the modern sensibility, she seems to be prone to swaying with the wind to a high degree.
Still, it kept the attention of both of us, and it’s well acted and photographed. It’s a middle of the road achievement, maybe not worth searching for, but if stumbled across, the proper audience will find it agreeable.
