The Velvet Touch (1948)

Rosalind Russell, Leo Genn, Claire Trevor, Sydney Greenstreet, Leon Ames ... see more  , Frank McHugh , Walter Kingsford , Dan Tobin , Lex Barker , Nydia Westman , Theresa Harris , Irving Bacon , Esther Howard , Harry Hayden , William Erwin , Martha Hyer , Louis Mason , James Flavin , Charles McAvoy , Dan Foster , Russell Hicks , James Todd , Joyce Arling , Phillip Barnes , Bessie Wade , Michael St. Angel , Bess Flowers , Jim Drum , Allan Ray , Bill Wallace

Based upon a story by William Mercer, The Velvet Touch stars Rosalind Russell as Valerie Stanton, a celebrated Broadway actress whose latest smash comedy is coming to the end of its successful run. Th... read more e play's producer, Gordon Dunning, has produced all of Stanton's hits for the last decade, and takes credit for making her the star she is today. He is therefore upset when she informs him that she wishes to make a break with him by both marrying Michael Morrell, a renowned architect, and by taking a stab at one of the classic roles -- namely Hedda Gabler -- under the auspices of another producer. Dunning has no intention of letting her move forward with her plans, and he tells her that if she refuses to continue working with him in light, profitable comedies, he will reveal unflattering information about her to Morrell. Frightened that this will destroy her relationship, Stanton picks up a statue from Dunning's desk and delivers a fatal blow. Fortunately, because she is wearing her trademark long black gloves, there are no fingerprints, and Stanton creates a plausible alibi. Suspicion therefore shifts to Marian Webster, a rival of Stanton's who finds the body and was once romantically involved with Dunning. Stanton seems to have gotten away with murder -- but can she avoid making any mistakes as police captain Danbury proceeds with the investigation? ~ Craig Butler, Rovi