The Velvet Touch is a 1948 American drama film released by RKO. At its center is Broadway leading lady Valerie Stanton, who accidentally kills her producer-lover Gordon Dunning during an argument about the direction her career should take. He expects her to sign for his next production, a typical frothy comedy for which he is known, while she wants to accept an offer to star in a revival of Hedda Gabler in order to prove her versatility as an actress. Other characters involved in the plot are Valerie's new beau Michael Morrell, supporting actress Marian Webster, who is accused of committing Valerie's crime, and police Capt. Danbury, who may know more than he's willing to admit.
The dialogue in Walter Reilly's screenplay, adapted from a story by William Mercer and Annabel Ross, is reminiscent of the witty repartee in All About Eve (1950) and Auntie Mame (1958), although it preceded both by several years.
The cast, directed by Jack Gage, includes Rosalind Russell as Valerie Stanton, Leon Ames as Gordon Dunning, Leo Genn as Michael Morrell, Claire Trevor as Marian Webster, and Sydney Greenstreet as Capt. Danbury.
The title song, with lush music by Leigh Harline and romantic lyrics by Mort Greene, was sung during the opening and closing credits by an unidentified male chorus. It was an atypical choice for a film of this genre.
The film was produced by Russell's husband Frederick Brisson.
Broadway star Valerie Stanton, breaking up with her producer-lover Gordon Dunning, unintentionally kills him. In flashback, she recalls meeting new flame Michael Morrell, and Dunning's machinations leading to the fatal argument. The next day, it appears that Valerie's former rival Marian Webster is the prime suspect. Or is suave police Captain Danbury just playing cat and mouse with her? Nicely catty dialogue. Written by Rod Crawford
