Robert Ryan plays Jim Wilson, a disillusioned cop with an anger problem.
After eleven years on the force, he's cynical and untrusting...and violent, often beating suspects to get information out of them. Telling Jim that he is behaving like a "gangster with a badge" and feeling that a change of environment will do him good, Jim's superior sends him to a rural town "up north", where he can help solve a murder case. It is there that Jim meets Ida Lupino's character, Mary, a blind woman whose mentally unstable brother is the one believed responsible for the murder.
Robert Ryan, who I think was an extremely under-rated actor, does his usual splendid job in this role. Ida Lupino is lovely in her role as the vulnerable blind woman. And she does a brilliant job playing blind. The scenes between them are surprisingly tender, showing Ryan's amazing depth as an actor. Although he is often "the heavy," and is to an extent in this film, the gentleness he exhibits towards Mary is quite lovely. A few of the scenes between them brought tears to my eyes.
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On Dangerous Ground makes a profound statement about loneliness and lonely people. It is definitely a solid 4 star film. I only wish it had been a bit longer (running time is only 81 minutes)!!! Out on DVD, this movie should be quite easy to track down.
Happy viewing!!!
This sounds very interesting - and Ida Lupino always is some name to make me watch a film..
ReplyDeleteThank you for introducing me to this movie!
I think I saw this film long ago. I always thought Robert Ryan was durable, ruggedly handsome and good in everything I've seen him in.
ReplyDeleteIda Lupino is so versatile, intense, commanding and easy to admire, even in her roles as a bad girl. And then there is her other career as a director...amazing talent !
Irene, I'm glad I was able to introduce you to a film you didn't already know. Hope you get a chance to see it.
ReplyDeleteNonna, ooh, yes, ruggedly handsome Robert Ryan was. LOVE those bad boys!! Though I love the little bit of tenderness he exhibits in this one. And about Ida Lupino...yes, very good...always. Have you ever seen "They Drive by Night?" (Raft, Bogart, Ann Sheridan). That's one of my favorite Lupino films...she's fabulous in that one.
Hi Patti, popped in to see what movie you were reviewing. I remember Robert Ryan and I agree he was an under-rated actor I also liked him, thought he was quite handsome. I remember Ida Lupino she was married to Howard Duff. Smiles...Lu
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, this is noir but definitely on the "mild" end of things -- is their a "romantic noir" subgenre? LOL
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