THE BLACK CURTAIN

Rating:
Summary: Moves quickly, fun read but not Woolrich's best
Review: Cornell Woolrich certainly has some comparative "duds" in his long collection of mystery novels and stories. The Black Curtain can be considered a dud because of its contrived story, but as with all Woolrich stories it is still very readable ... in a B movie sort of way.

The Black Curtain is about a man with amnesia who, inexplicably, has forgotten about the previous three years of his life. He gradually pieces back what has transpired, which includes the shock that he is wanted for murder. In the end he strives to exonerate himself. ...no the story isn't believable, leaving many unanswered questions, but it is engaging.

Bottom line: a book probably best left to Woolrich completists only.

Rating:
Summary: an enjoyable yet forgettable Woolrich mystery...
Review: Cornell Woolrich certainly has some comparative "duds" in his long collection of mystery novels and stories. The Black Curtain can be considered a dud because of its contrived story, but as with all Woolrich stories it is still very readable ... in a B movie sort of way.

The Black Curtain is about a man with amnesia who, inexplicably, has forgotten about the previous three years of his life. He gradually pieces back what has transpired, which includes the shock that he is wanted for murder. In the end he strives to exonerate himself. ...no the story isn't believable, leaving many unanswered questions, but it is engaging.

Bottom line: a book probably best left to Woolrich completists only.

Rating:
Summary: Moves quickly, fun read but not Woolrich's best
Review: lazza is right - this one is probably best left for Woolrich completists. I've read in other places that Woolrich was best at atmosphere, and not with logic as to plotting. This is surely true of Black Curtain. There are some really big holes left unanswered when you finish it, but nonetheless, it's a satisfying conclusion. It's a b-movie read - read it on a flight sometime, it's very short.