Scarlet Street

Scarlet Street is currently streaming in Australia on Amazon Prime Video and Beamafilm, and in the US on fuboTV and MGM+ Amazon Channel, and its case-by-case structure never gets in the way of the bigger story. The length is exactly right for the story it is telling — nothing rushed, nothing dragged out. 450 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Edward G. Robinson anchors it, but the writing does the real work. Available now on Amazon Prime Video — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

There is a reason Scarlet Street keeps coming up in conversation. The plotting in Scarlet Street is tight enough that the twists feel earned rather than assembled. Cashier and part-time starving artist Christopher Cross is absolutely smitten with the beautiful Kitty March. Kitty plays along, but she's really only interested in Johnny, a two-bit crook. When Kitty and Johnny find out that art dealers are interested in Chris's work, they con him into letting Kitty take credit for the paintings. The writing gets a boost from Edward G. Robinson and Joan Bennett, who sell every scene they're in. Scarlet Street came out in 1945. The plot mechanics of Scarlet Street never overwhelm the human cost underneath them. It rarely drops the ball, and when it does, it recovers fast.

For anyone who wants their crime drama to earn its twists, Scarlet Street delivers. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Edward G. Robinson anchors it, but the writing does the real work. If you are going to commit to one crime drama this month, make it this one.

Scarlet Street was released in 1945, directed by Fritz Lang. The full 103-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.