Miss Barton's Famous Cakes

...of genre homage, "Miss Barton's Famous Cakes" demonstrates that Philadelphia has a lot more going for it than one might cinematically expect. Tight script, evocative cinematography, impeccable casting and direction, pitch-perfect score, immaculate production design from costuming right down to the droll newspaper clippings--all combine in a luxurious concoction that's difficult to enjoy just once. Currently available on YouTube and likely other platforms, this is a delightful taste of unknown talents that will undoubtedly become better known as time goes by and word spreads.

All the flavors are present in this seductive short film about great patistry of a young lady, detectives and murders. A slice of cake, with cinnamon and honey represents the axis of this admirable short film noir, the care for details and atmosphere being the main virtues, near the fair dialogue and impeccable acting.

"Miss Barton's Famous Cakes," is a tense short film that centers around a woman who makes superb cakes for many to enjoy. However, she is told something unnerving from two detectives that pay her a visit. The cinematography is wonderful, treating shadows as if it's a character itself. Tense moments are where it shines the most. It also uses a 4:3 aspect ratio, enhancing the 1940s vibe. The acting is solid as well, most notably LaVera's performance as Miss Barton. The score is icing on the noir cake; it is moody and sprinkles some "old school" sounds in there. If I mention much else, it may sour this sweet tribute to a genre that has faded from many peoples' radar. Watch it. It's only 13 minutes in duration; but, it's enough to satisfy the cravings several have for this type of filmmaking...