As my experience and knowledge of (classic) film noir grows, so does my excitement at finding new, lesser-known gems from Hollywood and beyond. For the “O Canada Blogathon,” hosted by Speakeasy and Silver Screenings, I had the pleasure of introducing myself to Whispering City (1947). Now please allow me to introduce — or reintroduce — this very Canadian noir to you.
Devious lawyer and patron of the arts Albert Frédéric (Paul Lukas) frames pianist Michel Lacoste (Helmut Dantine) for the murder of his (Michel’s) neurotic wife in order to blackmail him into keeping determined reporter Mary Roberts (Mary Anderson) from exposing the fact that Albert himself committed a murder long ago.
Although the framing device of a tourist sleigh driver introducing us to the characters in the opening is clumsy and unnecessary, and though the plot is a bit too full of coincidences to be entirely convincing, I thoroughly enjoyed Whispering City. Anderson has delightful charisma, and the character is progressive: the only female criminal reporter on her paper. Moreover, while the final reveal is not entirely a surprise, we do get to delight in payback.

The film’s director is Fyodor Otsep, a Russian director of the silent era. He went to Germany to direct a 1931 film, but after Hitler’s rise he moved to France, where he directed several other films. After being internet at the outbreak of war, he fled through Canada to the U.S.. Failing to achieve success as a Hollywood émigré director, he returned to Canada. Whispering City was his final film.

Whispering City takes place in Quebec City, and we get to hear both English and French dialogue and accents. In keeping with this multilingual context, the film was shot simultaneously in English and in French, with two different casts. The French version is titled La Forteresse. (I look forward to seeing it sometime, though I’ll need subtitles.)
The film also features attention to Quebec life and sights, including the beautiful Montmorency Falls.

Beyond the sights, Whispering City offers gorgeous sounds as well. Character Michel’s great love is piano, and during the central conflicts of the film (his wife’s death, blackmail) he is composing and practicing what will be his greatest work, the “Quebec Concerto.” The lovely Romantic piece, of which we hear a selection in the film, was actually written by Québécois composer André Mathieu in 1943.
Take a listen:
In conclusion, I couldn’t have chosen a better film for immersing myself in the meeting of Canada and noir. And because Whispering City is in the public domain, you can easily enjoy it, too.
February 1, 2016 at 7:16 PM
That concerto is wonderful! I’ve been listening to it while reading various O Canada entries. It makes for a fab blog-reading sound track.
As for this film, it sounds like a real treat! I’ve not seen this one, but glad to know a person can easily stream it. I like the thought of a multicultural setting with different languages.
Thanks for joining us, and for bringing “Whispering City” to the O Canada party!
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February 1, 2016 at 7:38 PM
Definitely worth seeing if you like B noir!
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February 2, 2016 at 4:33 AM
I really am remiss on my noir, thank you for cultivating such great finds! This sounds pretty cool.
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February 2, 2016 at 4:36 AM
It may be a B film in terms of plot and expense, but it’s wonderfully Canadian.
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February 2, 2016 at 11:12 AM
Completely unfamiliar with this film, but I will have to keep an look out for it. Nice find!
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February 3, 2016 at 12:18 AM
Many thanks. I definitely enjoyed it.
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February 2, 2016 at 3:02 PM
This sounds really interesting, look forward to seeing this, and thanks for covering it for this blogathon.
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February 2, 2016 at 6:04 PM
I look forward to the movie (I’m an Anderson and a Lukas fan) as much as I am enjoying the concerto. You’re like a wagon train scout for noir, leading us down the right path.
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February 3, 2016 at 12:18 AM
Thanks you for your kind comment! I hope you enjoy it if you get to see it. Wagon train, ho,
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February 6, 2016 at 8:19 PM
thank you for cultivating such great finds! This sounds pretty cool.may need to check it out
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February 7, 2016 at 7:00 PM
Happy to contribute!
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