Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Moonrise

Moonrise is a 1948 crime film, sometimes classed as a film noir. It's directed by Frank Borzage and stars Dane Clark, Gail Russell, and Ethel Barrymore. Harry Morgan, Harry Carey, Jr., and Lloyd Bridges are also in this.



Slant Magazine says, "Moonrise is less a violent film than a film about violence—one that’s occupied, in particular, with the lingering aftereffects of capital punishment. The film’s violent acts are intricately linked, each perpetuating the next in an expansive chain reaction." Noir of the Week calls it "a standout among noir's lesser-known B-pictures and is one of the hardest to classify. A noir film you can argue about over a pitcher of cold beer (or two)."

Criterion says, "With this postwar comeback, Borzage recaptured the inspiration that had animated his long and audacious early career, marrying the lyrical force of his romantic sensibility with the psychological anguish of film noir, in a stunning vindication of faith in the power of love." Senses of Cinema concludes, "With powerful performances from his lead actors, particularly Dane Clark in arguably the best role of his career, Moonrise was a romance after Borzage’s heart, with an additional layer of psychological intensity. It remains, justifiably, a critically acclaimed high point in his career."

Rotten Tomatoes has a critics rating of 100%.

16 comments:

  1. Hmmm, I've never heard of Dane Clark. On the other hand, he hasn't heard of me, either. 😺

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    1. His career lasted 1935–1989. He called himself "Joe Average". He did a lot of TV later in his career and was on the old Hawaii 5.0. several times playing a different character each time. He was a stand out at blending in ;)

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  2. Looks like an intriguing film! Sounds different too being film noir with a romantic twist 😀. Wishing you a lovely week! Hugs, Jo x

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    1. It's not noir in everybody's book, but the emphasis on capital punishment was interesting.

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  3. I want to watch this one. I will as soon as I catch up.

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    1. "catch up"! lol But wintertime will give us more time to catch up and watch :)

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    1. I did find it interesting and a bit different in its emphasis.

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  5. Thanks, I've added it to my loooooooooooooooooooooooong list for the dark days! Have a great day, Valerie

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    1. Soooo many movies! I love the internet :)

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    2. The Internet steals so much time! None left for House****!

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    3. House**** -unless we happen to have little ones crawling around on the floor, which I don't, or unless we're expecting company, which I'm not- can _always_ wait ;)

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  6. Seems like an early bully movie. Sadly, if it was today he would likely have aready brought an automatic weapon to school before the movie starrted. I like that movies used to have a moral to them. Things aren't always what they seem.
    Being a bully can be bad for your health. Compassion isn't a dirty word. People can turn their lives around at any point. Don't kick dogs. Etc, etc. ;)

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    1. Yes, some of the old movies certainly have a message they're trying to get across.

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  7. I saw this awhile ago on archive.org and enjoyed it.

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    1. Your blog is probably where I found this :) You are a good source!

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