Smooth as Silk (1946) | Directed by Charles Barton

Smooth as Silk is a crime drama film revolving around a slick and ambitious lawyer who becomes entangled in a web of deception, greed, and murder. When he helps a young woman secure a role in a play by manipulating her uncle, the situation spirals out of control, leading to betrayal and deadly consequences. The story unfolds as a dark examination of ambition and moral corruption.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Film Noir

Director: Charles Barton

Charles Barton (1902–1981) was an American film director and actor whose career spanned over four decades. Starting as a silent film actor in the 1920s, he transitioned to directing in the 1930s and became known for his work on comedies, thrillers, and adventure films. He directed several Abbott and Costello comedies and also worked extensively in television later in his career, including on popular series such as "Amos 'n' Andy" and "Dennis the Menace." Barton’s directorial style was characterized by brisk pacing and clear storytelling, often within tight budgets.

Star Cast:

Kent Taylor as Mark Fenton

Virginia Grey as Paula Marlowe

Milburn Stone as Steve Marlowe

John Litel as Stephen Elliott

Jane Adams as Peggy

Charles Trowbridge as Judge Ballantine

The film was received as a competent and fast-paced entry in the crime drama genre, typical of Universal’s mid-1940s output. Critics praised the performances of Kent Taylor and Virginia Grey, noting their convincing portrayal of morally ambiguous characters. While not a major box office success, it was appreciated by fans of noir-style mysteries for its concise storytelling and moody atmosphere.

Fun Facts:

The film was produced by Universal Pictures during the height of the studio’s B-movie crime cycle.

Virginia Grey was a frequent face in 1940s Hollywood thrillers and had previously starred in several Universal productions.

The story was adapted from a play titled "A Slight Case of Murder," although significant changes were made for the screen.

The film’s compact runtime of about an hour reflects Universal’s efficient approach to mid-budget features at the time.

Director Charles Barton shot the film in under three weeks, a common practice for noir B-movies of the period.

* This Rumble Movie Channel is comprehensively indexed on https://kinoquick.com - find you favourite movies fast & free!
* Follow this channel to be notified of daily movie updates.