The File on Thelma Jordon

“I don’t suppose they could just let half of me die.” While it may not be one of Robert Siodmak’s masterpieces, The File on Thelma Jordon is a mature, fleshed out crime drama that’s tough to categorize: Gothic, police procedural, and romance elements combine to produce a textured noir that succeeds on several levels, even if some may find it to be ten or fifteen minutes too long. Wendell Corey stars as unhappily married Assistant District Attorney Cleve Marshall, who begins an affair with Thelma Jordon (Barbara Stanwyck) after she reports a series of attempted break-ins to her wealthy aunt’s mansion. When her aunt is shot to death by a mysterious intruder one night, Thelma calls Cleve in a panic so he can help her cover up any evidence that might falsely incriminate her. Still, circumstantial evidence points to Thelma, so not only does she face trial for murder, but, with nobody aware of their romantic relationship, Cleve is assigned to prosecute her case. This leads ultimately to an emotional, beautifully rendered ending. Siodmak’s signature visual style is most evident in the shadowy confines of Aunt Vera’s Gothic home, especially on the night of the murder as Thelma and Cleve race to cover up evidence while the night watchman, visible through the window, treks toward the house.