Slightly Scarlet

Slightly Scarlet

Out of the shadows of a vice-ridden city comes James M. Cain's most explosive drama!

Directed by Allan Dwan

Produced by RKO Radio Pictures, Benedict Bogeaus Production

195699 min6.3 / 10

A classic film noir centered on a seductive ex-con's manipulation and desire, set against political corruption and sisterly betrayal.

Kleptomaniac Dorothy Lyons is paroled from prison into the custody of her sister June, secretary to "reform" politician Frank Jansen. Ben Grace, associate of crime boss Sol "Solly" Caspar, sees this as a way to smear Jansen's campaign. Seductive Dorothy will do anything to get what she wants, which includes having a good time with Ben-- whom June is now in love with.

Questions people ask

  • Is Slightly Scarlet scary? Somewhat. More frightening than 72% of films.

  • Does Slightly Scarlet end with hope? Not especially. Less hopeful than 70% of films.

  • Is Slightly Scarlet easy watching? Not especially. Less comforting than 61% of films.

  • Is Slightly Scarlet violent? Somewhat. More violent than 59% of films.

  • Is Slightly Scarlet sad? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

41/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

You have seen this shape before.

Rarity70

How unlike any other film this one feels

Surprise24

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love35

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Like Slightly Scarlet

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as Slightly Scarlet

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like Slightly Scarlet, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like Slightly Scarlet, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like Slightly Scarlet, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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