Carmen Jones

"Underneath its obvious charms... (the film) now feels like a relic from the gruesome social straitjacket that was segregation..."

"A crazy mixed-up film."

"Woefully miscast in places and extremely dubious in its portrayal of African-Americans but does boast an on-form Dorothy Dandridge."

"The somewhat heavy-handed direction and the ultimately two-dimensional characters leave you admiring the workmanship without plucking at the necessary emotional/romantic heart-strings."

"The film has not aged gracefully, although Dorothy Dandridge’s performance in the lead remains a testimony to a Black cinema that might have been."

"Preminger directs with a deft touch, blending the comedy and tragedy easily and building his scenes to some suspenseful heights."

"The best reason to revisit Carmen Jones lies in Dorothy Dandridge's electrifying performance..."

"Preminger's heavy-handed adaptation... combines gorgeous music with risible lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; the project is saved by a terrific cast."