Copyright 24 February 1949 by Republic Pictures Corp. New York opening at the Mayfair: 9 January 1949. U.S. release: 1 March 1949. U.K. release through British Lion: 6 June 1949. Australian release through British Empire Films: 17 November 1949. 10,030 feet. 111 minutes.
NOTES: Filming from mid-July 1948 to early November 1948.
COMMENT: Superbly photographed, Garland Roark's solid adventure yarn boasts an arresting title, a great cast and a most promising story — all somewhat undermined by occasionally lethargic direction and unadventurous film editing. Judicious cutting by around twenty minutes would instantly convert an often feeble and unexciting picture into a ripping tale of derring-do and intrigue. True, it passes muster as is — just!
Wayne's performance is not only hard-hitting in itself but is adroitly given added impetus by contrast with the beautifully fragile and graceful Gail Russell. Mind you, we have to wait a mighty long time for Miss Russell's entrance. This is one of the plot's problems. Another is that the story is basically told in one long flashback, with two additional scenes later pegged on by another witness.
The large roster of support players is justly dominated by Luther Adler (who wages a successful but continuous battle against unconvincing make-up), Paul Fix (as the hero's obligatory pal), Gig Young (as the patsy narrator), the lovely Adele Mara (as the patsy's vis-à-vis), Grant Withers (a sadistic but not over-bright Youngeur), Henry Daniell (French and patronizing), Dennis Hoey (jovial minion of the law) and Jeff Corey (the dispossessed first mate). The rest are mostly walk- ons.
NOTES: Filming from mid-July 1948 to early November 1948.
COMMENT: Superbly photographed, Garland Roark's solid adventure yarn boasts an arresting title, a great cast and a most promising story — all somewhat undermined by occasionally lethargic direction and unadventurous film editing. Judicious cutting by around twenty minutes would instantly convert an often feeble and unexciting picture into a ripping tale of derring-do and intrigue. True, it passes muster as is — just!
Wayne's performance is not only hard-hitting in itself but is adroitly given added impetus by contrast with the beautifully fragile and graceful Gail Russell. Mind you, we have to wait a mighty long time for Miss Russell's entrance. This is one of the plot's problems. Another is that the story is basically told in one long flashback, with two additional scenes later pegged on by another witness.
The large roster of support players is justly dominated by Luther Adler (who wages a successful but continuous battle against unconvincing make-up), Paul Fix (as the hero's obligatory pal), Gig Young (as the patsy narrator), the lovely Adele Mara (as the patsy's vis-à-vis), Grant Withers (a sadistic but not over-bright Youngeur), Henry Daniell (French and patronizing), Dennis Hoey (jovial minion of the law) and Jeff Corey (the dispossessed first mate). The rest are mostly walk- ons.