Bad Day at Black Rock

source: Bad Day at Black Rock

Literary license is usefull up to a point. Like a rubber band, you stretch it to some indefinite point, but eventually it breaks. Spencer Taaccey is too old to be a combat WWII veteran. No matter how skilled or tough a man is at judo, the fight between Tracy and Borgnine is not believable, unless you believe in that Pro Wrestling is real. Finally, People who live in towns like Black Rock who carry firearms are skilled in using them. The scene where Robert Ryan attempts to kill Tracey is a laughable carricature in a movie that attempts to be a serious statement of communal bigotry and cowardice. When Ann Francis drives the intended victim to within feet of Ryans guns, we are asked to believe that Ryan would not shoot Tracy first. We have to wonder, since Ryan is so stupid as to shoot Francis first, why then, didn't Tracey move away from the headlights. Only a few feet, one way or the other, and he would have been free. Anyone who is vaguely familar with the Jeep, and a combat WWII veteran would have been, knows that the Jeep provides little cover from a rifle at close range. And on the other hand, the Jeep being the first SUV and designed for cross country travel would have tough fuel lines. Yet Tracy was able to break the line, fill a bottle with gasoline While Ryan was inexplicably letting this happen. This scene was just awful. For me it ruined the message of intolerance that the writers undoubtedly were attempting to portray.

After thousands of movies, I watch new ones now in a posture of "Impress Me," and the template for this movie is now over fifty years old. It's a progressive sermon; whatever its values are, entertainment and stimulation exist apart from that. That's the problem with this movie. It doesn't have much entertainment value. While it's values are laudable (for the time), they are insufficient to provide two hours of stimulation. The goal is to persuade you that murderous racists are unlikeable and morally wrong. Right. Got it. But what if a viewer has already concluded that murderous racists are morally wrong. So what am I supposed to do with this movie? Nod in proud agreement for two hours? Perhaps if I was shallower, seeing my values depicted, affirmed and broadcast didactically to others would be satisfying. So that's your big scheme for the format? That's it? Your highest goal for drama is to turn it into a Sunday sermon? Well, I hope writers/studios exhaust this approach soon, because it's 50 years later and I am throughly tired of dramas that teach me morality. Beyond that the neutral, enlightened Gandhi-like figure who won't raise a hand in violence has turned out not to be enough to defeat evil (say.... like the Bush administration), but Hollywood will not stop selling it to us. As it turns out one good person is not sufficient to cancel the impact of one evil person, let alone the crowd of baddies here. The wide scope exterior compositions are nice though.

"Bad Day at Black Rock" is a film seldom seen these days, and it's a shame because this small 81 minutes movie is packed with a lot of action, none of it coming from special effects, or shoot outs. John Sturges directed with great care, and it shows. Most of the photography was done in Lone Pine, California, where cinematographer William Mellor was able to capture the atmosphere of the dusty town and surrounding area with its majestic beauty. Andre Previn provided the musical score that serves the film well. Basically this is the tale of a man, John Macreedy, who arrives unexpectedly to a place totally dominated by a local bad guy, Reno Smith and his lackeys. Smith rules over this little outpost of the West with a tight fist. The least he wants is Macreedy poking his nose in something he wants to keep a secret. Since Reno Smith practically "owns" the town, he names whoever he wants to be the sheriff, a mere figure. Smith knows immediately about the new arrival in town because it appears everyone works for him. Macreedy wants to visit a Japanese man, whose son has saved his life in the war, but unknown to him, he has been dead for quite some time. Macreedy seems to be a symbol of justice finally arriving to town. The only other man that is sympathetic to what Macreedy is trying to do is the veterinarian/mortician of the town, Doc Velie, who proves, at the end, he is up to task. Macreedy prevails in the end. The film is shot basically in long and medium shots, which in a way, it helps to diffuse most of the expressions of the actors in the movie. Cinemascope, with its elongated technique doesn't make things better, as most situations seem to disappear into the glorious backgrounds one sees. Mr. Sturges doesn't use close-ups in the film to accentuate some situations; they should have helped in getting the viewer more involved in the picture. Spencer Tracy does interesting work in the film. Mr. Tracy was fifty four years old when filming was done, but looks much older. Robert Ryan, an excellent actor is good as the evil Reno Smith. Walter Brennan plays Doc Velie with his usual charm. Ernest Borgnine, Lee Marvin, Dean Jagger and John Ericson are all effective under Mr. Sturges' command.

Spencer Tracy did not get an academy award for this film but he was compensated with a more important award--the Cannes Film festival award. It is always interesting that Europe recognizes the better Hollywood works than the Academy ("Thin Red Line" got the top award in Berlin, "Scarecrow" in Cannes--two geat American films ignored at the Oscar ceremonies). I read a review of the film on IMDB pointing out the flaws in the script. They are all correct, if we go by rational thinking. But the merits of this film are the superb editing, the beautiful cinemascope photography and the arresting performances. Every time I see this film I am reminded of Spielberg's little known film "Duel" that had similar thrilling tension packed into less than 24 hours of screen time--a film I admire much more as good cinema than the recent box office outputs of Spielberg. Compare this film with Sturges' "The Magnificent Seven." Sturges like King Vidor, seemed to pick up stories to film that looked at the oppressed and tried to present a world that could be better. "The Magnificent Seven," like this film, had a predominantly male cast. It appealed to most viewers. And some could see a social and even a political layer beneath these films. What I find most appealing is the the ability of Sturges, Vidor, and the early unsung Spielberg's ability to use cinema to combine thrills, human values and craft in say 81 minutes as in this film. Spencer Tracy is not to be admired for the way he delivers his lines, but his body movements which remind you of majestic caged animal that can be deadly if provoked. Sturges brings to the fore evil in different ways--the dead buck strapped on the front of a vehicle, menace on empty roads by big vehicles (used in "Duel" to great effect), evil women when you expect them to be good, laws used in illegal ways (the hotel registration scene), etc. Sergio Leone made similar films in Europe--the famous spaghetti westerns--with laconic dialogues and emphasis on body movements and photography In spite of its flaws, it is a film Hollywood can be proud of. I only hope TV reruns show the film in its original cinemascope grandeur, which grabbed me the first time I saw it decades ago.

Spencer Tracy has another go at playing the grumpy super-liberal going around setting us common folks straight. This time he gets off a train in a small western town and sticks his nose into the disappearance of a certain Japanese-American who vanished during the early part of World War II. Eventually, after a painful boring exercise in America bashing and self-loathing, we are supposed to believe that 6'4" tall Robert Ryan and the boys "ganged up on" this tiny shy Japanese and bullied him to death as payback for Pearl Harbour. Tisk! Tisk! So anxious to bash America, John Sturges and company failed to read any basic American history, otherwise they'd know that President FDR and the Democrats rounded up all the innocent Americans-of-Japanese origin and interred them in concentration camps. HUSH! The PC Police are listening, reading! How sickening to witness real-life World War II hero Robert Ryan playing out the coward-like role of this make-believe bully. Also, how many empty-heads drank the Kool-Aid and bought into this hateful mess from the once-small Hate America crowd in Hollywood. Boo, hiss!

Bad Day at Black Rock turned out to be the final film that Spencer Tracy did on his MGM contract. The following year he was fired off the set of Tribute to a Bad Man and left MGM abruptly. Some reward for an actor who brought so much prestige to that studio. Tracy gets off a train at a hole in the wall, whistlestop, speedtrap of a town called Black Rock located somewhere in the Mojave desert. He's looking for a Japanese farmer named Komoko who seems to have vanished. And the townspeople are downright unfriendly to the stranger. It gradually dawns on Tracy that by probing about Komoko's whereabouts, he's stepped in one big festering pile and he's put himself in danger. What he does about it is the rest of the film. John Sturges keeps the tension going here worthy of an Alfred Hitchcock film. In fact if Hitchcock had ever decided to do a western and was presented with Bad Day at Black Rock, I doubt he could do it any better. Certain arty Hitchcock touches are missing, but the suspense is there. Sturges was in fact nominated for Best Director. As was Tracy nominated for Best Actor. He lost ironically to one of his fellow cast members Ernest Borgnine who copped the big prize for Marty. But in fact any one of the small cast could have been nominated. I'm not sure why chief villain Robert Ryan wasn't. A fews years later John Sturges directed another film The Law and Jake Wade about Robert Taylor being held prisoner by Richard Widmark and his gang. There was a lot of suspense there as well, similar to Bad Day at Black Rock, as to whether Taylor would escape his predicament. For a feature film in 1955 it is a rather short one, less than 90 minutes. But as Tracy said in another film, what there is is cherce.

"Bad Day at Black Rock" is only a short film by present day standards (at just 81 minutes) but in that time it manages to pack in more intrigue, mystery and action than many Hollywood films of two hours or more. Expertly directed by John Sturges in breathtaking colour and CinemaScope the film holds your attention throughout its tight running time. "Bad Day at Black Rock" has an exceptionally talented supporting cast including Robert Ryan, Ernest Borgnine, Lee Marvin, Anne Francis, John Ericson, Dean Jagger and Walter Brennan who all give accomplished performances - particularly the baddies Ryan, Borgnine and Marvin. Spencer Tracy was deservedly nominated for the Best Actor Award but unfortunately for him 1955 was a very exceptional year with so many fine performances from other actors including Ernest Borgnine in "Marty" (the winner), James Cagney in "Love Me Or Leave Me", James Dean in "East of Eden", and Frank Sinatra in "The Man With the Golden Arm". Tracy had in fact won the Best Actor Award twice before - for "Captains Courageous" in 1937 and for "Boys Town" in 1938 so his memorable screen acting had already been recognised by the Academy voters two years running. Tracy plays the mysterious John J. MacReedy who arrives at the small Western town of Black Rock causing suspicion and concern among the local residents who are hiding a dark secret which MacReedy eventually uncovers. Robert Ryan (Reno Smith) is the chief heavy well supported by his two menacing henchmen Ernest Borgnine (Coley Trimble) and Lee Marvin (Hector David) who are intent on getting rid of Tracy one way or another. Insults and intimidation seem to have no effect on Tracy who is determined to carry on with his one man investigation against all the odds. With the eventual help of Anne Francis (Liz Wirth) and Walter Brennan (Doc Velie) Tracy doggedly pursues his mission through the 24 hours period of the film. When threats and violence won't stop Tracy then Ryan has to resort to attempted murder leading to the dramatic climax. Some favourite lines: Tracy (to Marvin): "I don't know why you're so interested but the name is MacReedy. It's all in the ledger". Borgnine (to Tracy): "Well, if it's not MacReedy, the world's champion road hog". Walter Brennan (to Tracy): "They're going to kill you with no hard feelings". Tracy: "And you're going to sit there and let 'em do it!". Train Conductor: "What's all the excitement? What happened?". Tracy: "A shooting". Train Conductor: "Thought it was something. First time this train line has stopped here in four years". Tracy: "Second time!". (Last line in film). "Bad Day at Black Rock" is a superior high class thriller that deserves to be in anyone's "Top Ten" list of all time classic films. It's certainly in mine! 10/10. Clive Roberts.

Southern Pacific train express stops in Black Rock . One-armed John J. Macreedy (Spencer Tracy) alights at Black Rock from train express in order to give a medal to the last known relative, Komoko who died five years ago , of a deceased Japanese-American army officer named Joe. His attempts to do so will confront him against the entire little town including the Sheriff (Dean Jagger) himself , a hotel receptionist (John Ericson) , a doctor (Walter Brennan) , the powerful Smith (Robert Ryan)and two thugs ( Lee Marvin and Ernest Borgnine) , among them . Macreedy attempts to investigate the killing a Japanese farmer that happened shortly after the attack on the Pearl Harbor, the unconditional surrender of Japan, and the resultant hatred towards Japanese-Americans , including the events from Bataan and Corregidor .John suffers a strong hostility and hatred by the inhabitants and neighbours. McReedy uncovering up a terrible secret and being threatened ; attempts will be made to run him off the road while driving ; he will be chased , and the telephone operator will deny to connect him to the Police Station ; the Railway Station's employee will not dispatch a telegram ; meantime the local Mortician will warn him that he should aware for his death by nightfall. While, McReedy tries to go Adobe Flat to find the Kamako corpse and finally is helped by some villagers. This interesting movie contains marvelous performances from all concerned , suspense , thrills , exciting situations and some action . Based on the novel by Howard Breslin and well adapted by Millard Kauffman who takes a fine material , this is a suspenseful film in which Spencer Tracy plays magnificently as an easy Italian war veteran coming to a township called Black Rock that seems to be hiding a guilty secret . However , too much conversation and too little action bogs down this modern Western , although the argument and intrigue is nice . There are excellent acting from some Hollywood's best players , including prestigious secondaries as Lee Marvin , Ernest Borgnine , Dean Jagger , among others . Thrilling and exciting musical score by Andre Previn who subsequently married Mia Farrow . Colorful cinematography utilizing the new Cinemascope technique by William C Mellor . This ¨Sui Generis¨modern Western is originally directed by John Sturges . He was an expert on Western genre as proved in ¨ Escape from Fort Bravo , The law and Jake Wade , The last train of Gun Hill, The Magnificent seven, Hour of gun , Joe Kidd , The Hallelujah trail ¨ and many others . Rating : Better than average . Worthwhile watching .

In the tradition of "stranger comes to town" movies, Bad Day at Black Rock is the incredibly unimaginative story of Spencer Tracy taking a train into the small town of Black Rock. No one knows why he's come, no one knows why no one's welcoming or friendly, and no one knows why there's only ten people in the entire town. Is this a ghost town? If so, why are there ten people just waiting for the train to stop, which is supposedly a rare occurrence? Spence eventually reveals he's there to find out what happened to his Japanese buddy. Once he reveals the reason for his visit, it's pretty obvious why everyone keeps trying to drive him out of town, and it's really easy to guess what happened to the mystery friend. There's no reason for the movie to continue after the first twenty minutes, and for the rest of the time, it's so incredibly boring, I thought someone was pulling my leg and going to surprise me by saying, "Just kidding! This isn't the real movie." I can only imagine how tired Robert Ryan got of playing the racist bad guy, and it doesn't look like he, or anyone else for that matter, had a good time making this one. The other random townspeople include Walter Brennan, Ernest Borgnine, Dean Jagger, Lee Marvin, and Anne Francis. It's hard to believe this is a famous movie, or one recognized by the Academy for three Oscar nominations. It's boring, badly acted, predictable, and cheesy. You don't have to see it unless you're really in love with everyone in the cast.