RETRO MOVIE REVIEW: BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK (1955)

BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK (1955), directed by the legendary John Sturges, with an epic, all-star cast; Spencer Tracy, Robert Ryan, Walter Brennan, Dean Jagger, Anne Francis, Ernest Borgnine, and Lee Marvin. Wow! What a lineup! Presented in amazing CinemaScope, shot on location in the blistering deserts of the great American west.

At only one hour and twenty-two minutes, this film is packed with tension that builds with a perfectly timed, steady pace, and ends with bang. The performers fill the broad scope of the film’s aspect ratio with dynamic charisma against a fantastic backdrop. Every frame of this film is a perfectly photographed glamour shot. What cinematic eye candy! It’s rumored that Sturges was heavily influenced by American painter Edward Hopper (1882-1967). I think you can see it.

It’s 1945 and WWII just ended three months prior. Spencer Tracy plays John J. Macreedy, a solemn man with a bum arm, who arrives unexpectedly by train, which hasn’t stopped at Black Rock in four years. This causes quite a stir in the little armpit of a town in the middle of nowhere. From the start, the paranoid, redneck yokels of the town are hostile toward Macreedy. But why? He’s not the least bit intimidating or unpleasant.

A dark secret begins to unravel as Macreedy is needled to the point where he reveals the intentions of his visit, which is not the least bit sinister. Many of the residents don’t like it and consider him a dire threat. Led by the local heavy Reno Smith, played wonderfully by Robert Ryan, who is the perpetrator of the big secret – he rallies his accomplices against Macreedy. Macreedy’s intentions are perfectly innocent, but his inquiries put the town on edge, and his 24-hour stay turns into a fight for his life.

The structure of the film is magnificent; a single question is asked at the beginning and without revealing an answer instantly, the tension slowly builds, revealing clues along the way, until things explode violently, to the chagrin of the censors back in the day, at the end. The pace is not meandering; every action and word of dialog is relevant to the progression of the story and character development. Nothing is wasted in the one hour and twenty-two minutes of the film.

The photography is brilliant. It’s a simple story yet it is presented as though it’s a cinematic spectacle. Every shot is perfectly composed, whether it’s photographed in a beautiful landscape or cramped quarters. Every set piece is masterfully designed and relevant to the story. It’s all practical! This is real cinematic storytelling at its finest.

With this review I have been purposefully vague about story details. I don’t want to give up too much information because I feel this film is worth a watch, especially for modern audiences, and wannabe modern movie makers. This film is truly a master class in cinematic storytelling and production value. Furthermore, in my opinion, we don’t have the disciplined, high-dollar talent today to pull off a film like this. It’s fun to watch the amazing talent of yesteryear work their magic!

For a great film watching experience, plan a BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK.