Very well executed

That was an excellent one.

Such a frustrating disappointment

The acting in this movie is really good.

Unfortunately, this movie doesn't stand up to a second viewing. Vincent Sherman's direction fails to hit any high spots and is never more than routine. Admittedly, neither the story nor the dialogue could be described as encouraging. Characters like those played by David Brian (who believes in just shouting his lines) and Kent Smith (who plays his usual soppy, wet and spineless caricature) offer the script no support. The rest of the support cast can likewise be written off. Even ace photographer Ted McCord's work here seems far less gritty than we might expect. True, Joan Crawford shines much as usual. But also true, she has played this sort of character many, many times before. And good old director Sherman gives her a rich share of close-ups. Nevertheless, even Joan's most devoted fans are going to be disappointed that the damned don't cry!

There are so many reasons to watch a Joan Crawford movie: high melodrama, great fashion, and acting at a very high pitch. Few of her films from the silent period on are ever dull, Joan always The Star, and in this film you have an opportunity to see a seasoned and serious professional do her very best every moment she is on the screen--Joan does not disappoint.In The Damned Don't Cry, she leaves a sordid past behind, and to get to the top she schemes, she manipulates, she suffers beautifully but comes out swinging in this typical rags-to-riches, glossy noir with some desert locations; Joan spars with three kinds of leading men, and the hot one, Steve Cochran, is unfortunately given the least screen time. As for the others? Joan does not suffer fools gladly.Quintessential Joan The Controller is much more fun to watch in the underrated but way over-the-top Queen Bee, and as an actress can't be beat in Sudden Fear, or Humoresque or Mildred Pierce--but this studied melodrama is always watchable, if occasionally one is reminded it's a 46 year old actress in a 24 year old's part and she should have known better--nevertheless. excellent glossy production values and good noir value still produce a fascinating product.

The Damned Don't Cry! Is directed by Vincent Sherman and collectively written by Gertrude Walker, Harold Medford and Jerome Weidman. It stars Joan Crawford, David Brian, Steve Cochran and Kent Smith. Music is by Daniele Amfitheatrof and cinematography by Ted McCord.Loosely based on the relationship between Bugsy Siegel and Virginia Hill, story has Crawford as Ethel Whitehead, a weary housewife who decides to break off from her hum-drum existence to climb the social ladder: But at what consequence?Part gangster's moll tale, part lady led melodrama, The Damned Don't Cry! Is enjoyable enough entertainment as a Crawford vehicle. At 45 years of age when she made this, some scenes, such as her doing some slinky modelling work, just don't sit right and stretch credulity, but she commands the screen like an ageless swan hiding a dark seductive heart. The film as a whole is a bit hit and miss, with its themes of disillusionment, morality and social standings jostling for attention in the narrative, while the reliance on clichés and parody for parody's sake irks a touch, but it's good and solid black and white fun. Especially if you happen to be a Joan Crawford fan. 6.5/10

5 years after "Mildred Pierce" and Joan Crawford is at it again. Again, she is poor and is willing to climb to the top no matter what. In this film, she becomes involved with organized crime and becomes a real pro in being used to infiltrate other wayward mobsters.From poverty to that Mildred Pierce mink, Crawford gave a truly memorable performance. She will stop at nothing to get to the top.Along the way, she seduces timid accountant, played masterfully by Kent Smith, to join the mob only two realize that the two of them are trapped.Another favorite co-star of Crawford, David Brian appears as the head mobster who is against violence but must come to grips with it when renegade hood, the always terrific Steve Cochran, seduces Crawford and then goes after her when he discovers that she is a Brian stooge.This is a gripping film-noir at its best.