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

 

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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. 

 

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