The Window

The Window is a thrilling film noir from 1949 starring Bobby Driscoll, Barbara Hale, and Arthur Kennedy. Based on the short story "The Boy Cried Murder" by Cornell Woolrich, the movie tells the story of a young boy named Tommy (Bobby Driscoll) who witnesses a murder in the apartment next door.

Tommy is a mischievous boy who loves to play pranks on his parents and their friends. He lives in a New York City tenement with his mother Edith (Barbara Hale) and father Joe (Arthur Kennedy). One hot summer night, Tommy is unable to sleep and decides to sneak out onto the fire escape to catch some fresh air. He overhears a man and a woman arguing in the apartment next door, and soon witnesses the man killing the woman.

Tommy immediately runs to tell his parents, but they don't believe him as he is known to frequently exaggerate or make up stories. With no one taking him seriously, Tommy takes matters into his own hands and decides to investigate on his own.

The film follows Tommy's journey as he tries to convince his parents and the police of what he saw, while also hiding from the criminals who are now aware of his existence. The tension builds up as the criminals start to hunt down the young boy to make sure he doesn't speak out about what he witnessed.

The Window is an exceptional thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The film effectively creates a sense of unease and danger that is constantly present throughout the story. Bobby Driscoll's performance as Tommy is outstanding, as he portrays the character's vulnerability and naivety while still being smart and resourceful enough to try to solve the murder.

The movie is also notable for its portrayal of New York City in the late 1940s. The setting of the film is a rundown tenement building in the Lower East Side, and the movie captures the grittiness and realistic atmosphere of the time. The film's cinematography is also worth noting, with some impressive shots of the city streets and the atmosphere of noir.

Overall, The Window is a classic thriller that still holds up today. It is a suspenseful and well-made movie with great performances and an engaging story that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. It is a must-see for anyone interested in film noir or classic Hollywood cinema in general.