If you have seen Sir Carol Reed's The Third Man, then you know the high standards he applies to his art. He was a brilliant director, who left a legacy that is memorable. A legacy that has survived the test of time. Add to that this film's personification of evil in the character of Mrs. Baines. Sonia Dresdel is superb, turning in a performance equal to that of Dame Judith Anderson in Rebecca. Sir Ralph Richardson, and young Bobby Henrey, are equal to Dresdel's level of performance. Lovely Michele Morgan is also in the American film noir, The Chase (1946). My only question is, why isn't the UK's Sonia Dresdel "Dame Sonia Dresdel" ... she is certainly worthy of the title.

While No Orchids for Miss Blandish has noir elements, it is really far too light weight to qualify as a true film noir. It is too cute. The novel is probably better than the film. Unless you can buy a viewable use DVD, don't waste your time. Buy a classic UK noir like The Fallen Idol, or The Third Man.