DESTINY (1944) is easily among the most hidden cinema
efforts of the 1940’s. It has had no legitimate video release of any kind and
hasn’t been shown on television in decades which means it is difficult to find
and nearly impossible to stumble across. We consider that a shame because the higher
quality elements of the film are well worth seeing. Constructed from a
discarded segment of an anthology of supernatural tales and paired with newly
shot noir-ish footage to bring it up to feature length it is an odd viewing experience.
Join Troy Guinn and I as we discuss the film’s high points and odd plotting
choices while marveling at the amazing work done in final act of the story.
We talk a bit about the actors with some time spent on the
familiar faces from Universal’s roster of supporting thespians. The film’s attempt
to craft a story to use the existing footage is pulled apart and examined for
its various flaws including the evolution of the main character from dopey
patsy to murderer and rapist. We stare longingly into the sightless eyes of the
lovely Gloria Jean and wonder how such a perceptive young woman could miss
noticing the obvious louse that blunders into her home. And while both of us
wish the story had remained in FLESH & FANTASY (1943) where it belongs, we
would still pay good money to see a crisp Blu-Ray of this strange effort to
salvage money the studio had already spent.
What do you think of DESTINY (1944)? Drop us a note at thebloodypit@gmail.com with any comments or suggestions. Thanks for listening!
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