Retro classics: ‘Wait Until Dark’

Wait Until Dark is an odd film, insofar as it isn’t super well-known despite starring Audrey Hepburn and Alan Arkin. It’s also odd thinking that Hepburn starred in what now might be called a "psychological thriller." In some ways, I can see how it might have been a predecessor for movies like Panic Room. The premise is that a blind woman (Hepburn) accidentally comes into possession of a doll that was used to smuggle heroin. Then, the "rightful owner" of the doll, a ruthless psychopath (Arkin) sends some of his associates to retrieve it – which is when the mind games begin.

Alan Arkin is undeniably cold and calculating in the movie. His blacked-out sunglasses, spooky bowl-cut, and SS officer-style jacket all scream "villainous." His somewhat unwilling henchmen are more run-of-the-mill cons than anything else – although Richard Crenna, whom shares most of the screen-time with Hepburn, obviously has leading man qualities. It’s quite clever, actually, to pair a mannered, well-dressed man with Hepburn’s character. You can begin to see how she would let down her defenses. In any other picture, you could imagine their characters falling for each other.

Then you remember that her life is in jeopardy. And you get nervous. Especially when the lights are cut on-screen: You end up as blind to the action as Hepburn’s character.

To sum up? This is Audrey Hepburn’s movie. She is the "damsel in distress" before she comes under attack from the trio of burglars. It seems that under pressure, she finds she’s not so helpless after all. It’s subtle enough, but it’s a pretty reaffirming message: At the end of the day, you have the power to save yourself.

So is this a retro classic ahead of its time? Or a gimmicky flick banking on its leading lady to bring in an audience? You’ll just have to watch to find out.