Dark Passage

Genre: crime drama (in black and white)

With: Humphrey Bogart (Vincent Parry), Lauren Bacall (Irene Jansen), Bruce Bennett (Bob), Agnes Moorehead (Madge Rapf), Tom D'Andrea (Sam, the cab driver), Rory Mallinson (George Fellsinger), Houseley Stevenson (Coley), Clifton Young (Baker), Douglas Kennedy (Detective)

Director: Delmer Daves

Screenplay: Delmer Daves (based on the novel by David Goodis)

Release: 1947

Studio: Warner Bros. (as Warner Bros.-First National Pictures)

Rating: PG

MBiS score: 8.5/10

 

 

A Film Noir Double Bill –

At Face Value

 

QuickView

Story-line: freshly escaped from San Quentin, Vincent Parry has plenty to worry about. For one thing, he’s not sure he can trust the girl who picked him up on the road and is taking him to San Francisco. For another, he’s a shoo-in to get caught because he’s one of those guys who hasn’t got “a chance in this world”. What’s a fugitive to do, especially one who claims he’s innocent?

Pluses: top-level acting from Humphrey Bogart (in a dry and sombre role), Lauren Bacall (showing coldness but also restrained passion), Bruce Bennett and Agnes Moorehead, vigorous and inventive direction, a tight, logical and complicated screenplay featuring a close-knit circle of characters and remarkably brisk dialogues, irreproachable production values, an ominous musical score and a memorable ending.

Minuses: none really.

Comments: Encyclopaedia Britannica online defines “film noir” as a “style of filmmaking characterized by such elements as cynical heroes, stark lighting effects, frequent use of flashbacks, intricate plots, and an underlying existentialist philosophy. The genre was prevalent mostly in American crime dramas of the post-World War II era.” A brilliant definition... and one that cleverly explains what DARK PASSAGE is all about. Vincent Parry faces danger everywhere he goes, cops and baddies are always on his trail and trust is something he can’t extend too liberally. All this adds up to a genuinely riveting drama, a quintessential film noir... and a fine addition to your movie repertory. 

 

MBiS

© 2020 – All rights reserved

 Kiss Me Deadly

Genre: suspense (in black and white) 

With: Ralph Meeker (Mike Hammer), Maxine Cooper (Velda Wickman), Wesley Addy (Lt. Pat Murphy), Paul Stewart (Carl Evello), Juano Hernandez (Eddie Yeager), Marian Carr (Friday), Albert Dekker (Soberin), Fortunio Bonanova (Carmen Trivago), Cloris Leachman (Christina Bailey), Gaby Rodgers (Lily)

Director: Robert Aldrich

Screenplay: A.I. Bezzerides (from a novel by Mickey Spillane)

Release: 1955

Studio: Parklane Pictures

Rating: NR

MBiS score: 8.6/10

 

 A Film Noir Double Bill –

‟Kiss me. The liar's kiss that says I love you, and means something else.”

 

QuickView

Story-line: when detective Mike Hammer picks up a barefooted blonde one night in the middle of nowhere, he senses that something’s up. Even more so when she tells him she’s ‟a loony from the laughing house. Loonies are dangerous.”   

Pluses: tone-perfect acting by Ralph Meeker and an utterly believable cast, fluid direction, a complicated and absorbing screenplay saturated with sinister-looking characters, sardonic dialogues and surprisingly heavy drama, an effective musical score, amazing costumes and sets (dig that telephone answering machine!), pretty (and sometimes slanted) cinematography, skilful editing and fine production values.

Minuses: none really… except that nobody’s legit in this stunning movie.

Comments: this gem of a film noir is mysterious, entertaining and ultimately very powerful. Like Hammer himself, you won’t figure things out until you’re in deep, deep trouble. With its tense and tragic tale that delivers a knockout ending, KISS ME DEADLY doesn’t disappoint… and you’ll have to trust me on that.

MBiS

© 2020 – All rights reserved