description Slightly Scarlet Overview
Slightly Scarlet is a 1956 American crime film directed by Allan Dwan and adapted from James M. Cain's novel Love's Lovely Counterfeit. John Payne stars as a political fixer caught between a reform candidate, a criminal organization, and two red-haired sisters played by Rhonda Fleming and Arlene Dahl. The film is distinguished by John Alton's vivid Technicolor cinematography, which applies film-noir lighting and compositions to a color production.
help Slightly Scarlet FAQ
What is Slightly Scarlet about?
John Payne plays Ben Grace, a political fixer working for Bay City crime boss Solly Caspar. Ben becomes trapped between Caspar, reform candidate Frank Jansen, and sisters June and Dorothy Lyons, whose criminal ties threaten the political struggle. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slightly_Scarlet_(1956_film))
Who are the two red-haired sisters in Slightly Scarlet?
Rhonda Fleming plays June Lyons, while Arlene Dahl plays her sister Dorothy Lyons. Dorothy has just been released from prison for theft, and Ben Grace tries to use information about both sisters against Solly Caspar. [AFI Catalog](https://catalog.afi.com/Film/52007-SLIGHTLY-SCARLET)
Is Slightly Scarlet based on a James M. Cain novel?
Yes, the 1956 crime film was adapted from James M. Cain's novel Love's Lovely Counterfeit. Robert Blees wrote the screenplay, and Allan Dwan directed the film. [AFI Catalog](https://catalog.afi.com/Film/52007-SLIGHTLY-SCARLET)
Why is Slightly Scarlet known as a color noir?
John Alton photographed the film in Technicolor, using strong reds, oranges, and blues instead of the usual black-and-white noir palette. The RKO release runs about 99 minutes and stars John Payne, Rhonda Fleming, and Arlene Dahl. [BAMPFA](https://bampfa.org/event/slightly-scarlet)
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