Caught, from 1949, is an interesting soap-opera-ish drama starring Robert Ryan, James Mason, and Barbara Bel Geddes. What drew me to this film was the fabulous Robert Ryan. Though #1 and #2 guys, William Holden and Gary Cooper, aren't in danger of being toppled from their positions, Robert Ryan isn't far behind. Some days I think he's my #5 guy, other days, he's #6. Since he's so high on my list, I'm always on the lookout for a film of his that I haven't seen, and I discovered this one on Net Flix instant viewing.
The film begins with working girl Leonora Ames (Barbara Bel Geddes) enrolling in a charm school. Leonora's hope is to graduate from the school, land a modeling job, and meet (and marry) a millionaire; in short order, it appears that her dream is coming true, because, while modeling a mink coat, she gets invited to the yacht party of wealthy businessman Smith Ohlrig (Robert Ryan). Feeling cheap and out of her element, Leonora's first thought is to skip the party; however, her roommate manages to convince her that the party would provide a wonderful opportunity to meet great men, so she dons an evening gown and heads to the pier.
Before arriving at the party, Leonora is approached by a man she doesn't know, and upon discovering he is none other than Smith Ohlrig, she agrees to go for a drive with him. It's an uncomfortable drive, with Smith gruff and demanding the entire time; when he pulls up in front of his house, Leonora insists that she is not that kind of girl and just wants to go home, a request to which Smith angrily complies.
Shortly afterwards, Smith visits his analyst, who tells him that his heart attacks and angry outbursts are the direct result of having his will thwarted. He tells Smith that he is a man who wants to control all things and all people, so when anything obstructs his plans, he will be vehemently angry and, perhaps, even have heart attack-like episodes. And, says the doctor, since Leonora was unable to be controlled, Smith has descended into a fit of rage. Furious with the doctor's opinion, Smith is determined to prove him wrong and vows to marry the girl, which is exactly what he does.
Nearly a year later, Leonora, lonely and living on pills, wishes things were different. Telling her friend that she really loves Smith, that she didn't marry him just for his money, she laments that he's never home and doesn't spend any time with her. When he does come home, bringing several business associates with him, Smith expects Leonora to play hostess for him. She does, even willingly, but after Smith is rude to her in front of his guests, she walks out on him...a situation that triggers one of his spells.
Moving from her fancy Long Island mansion to a shabby Eastside apartment, Leonora begins life apart from Smith. Using her maiden name and not wearing a wedding ring, she takes a job as a receptionist for Dr. Larry Quinada (James Mason), a kindly pediatrician. Before long, Dr. Quinada has fallen in love with her, but suddenly, Smith comes back into Leonora's life, pleading for another chance, assuring her that he missed her, promising that things will be different. But will they? Has Smith really changed? Does he really love Leonora? Those questions (and more) will play out through the balance of the film.
Robert Ryan was totally fantastic in his role (as I think he almost always was). His character was supposedly based on the life of Howard Hughes; however, I don't know enough about Hughes to know if that's true or not. Suffice to say, his character was wealthy...and powerful...and totally sadistic. Boy, could Robert Ryan play those kinds of characters to perfection! I found him magnificent here. James Mason, who I am just beginning to discover, was very good in his role. Oh, that voice of his!! Like velvet! As for Barbara Bel Geddes---besides Miss Ellie on Dallas, I have never seen any other of her works. In fact, I didn't know she had ever made movies. She was okay in her role...a bit stiff and not quite believable sometimes, I thought, but for the most part, I liked her.
Caught grabbed me instantly, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Quite honestly, I thought I would give it 4 stars; however, the ending was lame and somewhat ridiculous, so I decided to give 3 stars. It's a very solid 3 stars, though, so I definitely recommend it.
Happy viewing!!