Joe Wilson: I'll give them a chance that they didn't give me. They will get a legal trial in a legal courtroom. They will have a legal judge and a legal defense. They will get a legal sentence and a legal death.
[You may be wondering why this 1936 film is being posted in Noirvember cause its not in the classic Noir period, nor is it neo-noir (post 1960). Whilst this is full on noir, many class films pre 1940 as proto-noir and others simply as noir. So those of you hanging out for newer movies only need to wait a few more days.]
We see it often these days where groups of people get emotionally stirred up and go on a warpath to seek their own justice regardless of what the law says and also what the actual truth is. Fritz Lang, who no doubt saw unruly mobs before he fled Nazi Germany, directs the film with precision and that is followed up by the great actors who flesh out the story before us. Interestingly, this was Fritz Lang’s first movie in America so he started out with a strong, challenging view of how bad human nature can become when let loose.
We see it often these days where groups of people get emotionally stirred up and go on a warpath to seek their own justice regardless of what the law says and also what the actual truth is. Fritz Lang, who no doubt saw unruly mobs before he fled Nazi Germany, directs the film with precision and that is followed up by the great actors who flesh out the story before us. Interestingly, this was Fritz Lang’s first movie in America so he started out with a strong, challenging view of how bad human nature can become when let loose.
The story begins with Joe Wilson (Spencer Tracy) and Katherine Grant (Sylvia Sidney) discussing a future life together but in the short term they need to make a few more dollars to get a start. Katherine moves to a different part of the country to start a higher paying job with the idea that Joe would continue his work and then move across some months later. When Joe finally goes to meet Katherine he gets arrested on the way due to mistaken identity.
As Joe is brought to town, rumours begin spreading that the criminal who has caused much pain in the lives of the people has finally been caught. Like Chinese Whispers these rumours get more complex and extravagant to a point where the town gets stirred up in a frenzy and threatens to lay their hands on this supposed criminal and kill him whether that be by a good ol fashioned lynching or any other means. When things get out of control, the mob takes extreme measures to ensure this crook is killed once for all. Among the people however there is a lawyer who wants to charge those responsible for the killing. Will the town co-operate or will they seek to hide their mischievous deeds?
Ignoring the 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating, I purchased the DVD knowing that Fritz Lang (one of my favourite directors) was in charge of bringing the film to life so I did have some expectation there and I have to say, I was not let down. At 89 minutes it is a brisk telling of the story but it is very well laid out and acted very well and believably. Fans of The Wizard of Oz (1939) might also be interested to know that the little dog Toto also has a prominent role ;)
The ending as shown was not what Lang wanted (very similar to the brilliant The Woman in the Window from 1945) but he was persuaded by the studio (not the first time!) to add something a little soppy.
The ending as shown was not what Lang wanted (very similar to the brilliant The Woman in the Window from 1945) but he was persuaded by the studio (not the first time!) to add something a little soppy.
The DVD in review is the Australian release and comes up pretty good for such an old film and no doubt one that has not seen a full restoration. It’s in the 1.33:1 aspect ratio and generally has good image quality throughout and also has the standard mono soundtrack. The following extras are also included:
- Theatrical Trailer
- Audio Commentary by Peter Bogdanovich (director of Paper Moon and What’s Up Doc?) with interview excerpts from Fritz Lang
Overall this was a really good movie that kept me in and one that reveals what can only be described as the ugly side of human nature which we have all seen on TV news where the crowd goes nuts over something. Well worth viewing particularly for older movie fans. Go for it!
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This is a great film!
ReplyDeleteHow bad can human nature become when let loose? While I was watching Fury, I was reminded of Lord of the Flies, a classic story about a bunch of civilized English schoolboys who became savages when they were stranded on a desert island. Human nature can be so dark and ugly...
What makes it worse in Fury is how much the lynch mob enjoyed watching someone being burned to death, they treated it as entertainment (some guy was eating a hot dog or something, it might as well be popcorn), "Let's have some fun!" they said. Why were they not charged with attempted murder and perjury?????
AND poor Rainbow/Toto! :(
On a positive note, Sylvia Sidney is so lovely! (she is also absolutely wonderful and has the most beautiful smile in Hitchcock's Sabotage). I actually don't mind the mushy ending, her character definitely deserves some happiness after everything she's been through! :)
Agree. Its a great movie that really shows just how bad human nature can get after a few rumors and a handful of people to spur on the masses. Im sure Fritz would have seen some of this before getting out of Nazi Germany, but we also cant ignore present day. It doesnt take much for that to happen, even here in Australia :(
DeleteTalking about Sylvia Sidney, did you know she was in Mars Attacks! and Beetlejuice? I have read about Sylvia being nicknamed Sad Eyes and that can certainly be seen in her roles yet just as you say, that smile brightens it up!
Ahh I remember that cranky caseworker in Beetlejuice but I didn't know the character was played by Sylvia Sidney, that's really cool!
DeleteI don't think I have ever watched Mars Attacks! Must check it out one day :)
Mars Attacks is quite funny though it would probably make more sense if you have seen some of the 50's sci-fi as it is a real spin off them, particularly Earth vs the Flying Saucers.
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