Backfire (1950)

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Produced and released by Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., by whom copyright 11 February 1950. Released 11 February 1950 (U.S.A.), 13 August 1951 (U.K.), 27 July 1951 (Australia). New York opening at the Globe: 26 January 1950. 8,139 feet. 90½ minutes. Shooting title: Somewhere in the City.SYNOPSIS: Complex crime yarn following Mayo and MacRae as they search for ex-G.I. pal O'Brien, who is on the lam for a murder he didn't commit.NOTES: Second collaboration of writers Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts. Their first was White Heat (1949).COMMENT: A moderately suspenseful thriller with engagingly atmospheric photography, some fair action sequences, and at least one stand-out support performance (Viveca Lindfors). In fact, all the support players walk rings around the two principals, here somewhat out of their element in non-musical roles. Actually, Virginia Mayo is not in the film to the extent her top billing implies (and often in TV transmissions her part is the first to be trimmed). The identity of the real killer is obvious, but nonetheless intriguing thanks to the skillful playing of the person concerned. The film is also a bit slow to get under way and there are some extraneous episodes that could have stayed in the cutting-room (but were doubtless left in to build up Miss Mayo's part). These things aside, the film is directed at a reasonably fast pace and with a modicum of power and style. Production values are no more than average by "A" standards but behind-the-camera credits (sets, costumes, music, film editing) reflect the usual craftsmanship of Warner Bros. studio.

Vincent Sherman directed this thriller that stars Gordon MacRae as recuperating WWII veteran Bob Corey, who is visited in hospital by his friend and fellow war veteran Steve Connelly(played by Edmond O'Brian) with whom they plan on opening a ranch together. Weeks later, with no word from his friend, just released Bob,along with his fiancée nurse Julie Benson(played by Virginia Mayo) investigate, and discover that Steve had gotten mixed up with a gangster and his mistress. Not believing rumors that he was dead, he is determined to find the truth, which leads to several murders... Misfired noir starts off well, with a nice cast and atmosphere, but loses its way with too many flashbacks and a clichéd resolution, despite a fitting closing scene. A shame.

Extremely convoluted with far too many characters, flashbacks and plot twists, this post war film noir is a backfire in the misfire of gunfire. Gordon MacRae, an injured soldier going through rehab, discovers that his pal Edmund O'Brien is the top suspect in the murder of a gambling associate. With help of kindly nurse Virginia Mayo, he goes out of his way to prove O'Brien's innocence and find him before it is too late. Along the way, he comes across characters like undertaker Dane Clark, elderly slum hotel maid Ida Moore, shady doctor Mack Williams and the victim's widow (Frances Robinson). More murders add up to a climax that when all else fails proves to be pretty obvious. While there are some suspenseful moments, the real problem is the narrative. No matter now smart the dialog, it is the format of the screenplay which makes it the head scratcher and ultimate disappointment it becomes.The non-singing MacRae, billed fifth in the opening credits, is really the lead, with the Ingrid Bergman like Viveca Lindfors relegated to supporting role, even though her name is top billed. After a few film noir bad girls, Mayo gets to play a heroine. O'Brien is wasted in a part that consists mainly of flashbacks. Ed Begley is amusing as the police investigator, with Sheila MacRae properly brassy as Lindfor's roommate and the always adorable Moore playing a darker character as the slovenly maid in the cheap hotel O'Brien was staying at when the murder was committed. Veteran actor Charles Lane surprises here in a small role as MacRae's cheery doctor at the beginning of the film, a far cry from the delightful cranks he played in over 100 other movies.

Gordon MacRae in an actual totally non-singing role. He did well here as a veteran searching through the film for his war buddy Edmond O'Brien who seems to have gone missing as the Gordon character is supposed to be released from the hospital.Ironically, the femme fatale here is not Virginia Mayo but rather Viveca Lindfors, who delivers a quality performance. Ed Begley is his usual crusty self as the head of the police force and Dane Clark steals each scene he is in and as always is at his best in his insanity scene with those bulging eyes.When the bodies start to pile up, you think it's all related to gambling, but as always there is a girl involved and trouble ahead for those who fell for her.