‘On Dangerous Ground (1952)’ is a Film Noir, directed by Nicholas Ray, that explores themes of redemption and inner turmoil. The story follows Jim Wilson (Robert Ryan), a hardened city cop whose violent tendencies put him on edge. He’s sent to a snow-covered mountain to cool off and to solve a murder case. Up there, Jim meets Mary (Ida Lupino) who is blind. Nevertheless, she hasn´t lost her compassion and strength in life. Do you have a warm jacket? Very good, because it’s getting cold today in Noirvember.
Balancing suspense with emotional depth and challenging the genre’s usual cynicism by offering a path toward hope and humanity makes ‘On Dangerous Ground (1952)’ a standout piece of art. It´s not obvious at first, especially during the city scenes. This changes when Pop Daley (Charles Kemper) says something meaningful to his colleague Jim Wilson (Robert Ryan): “To get anything out of this life, you’ve got to put something in it – from the heart.” The film combines Classic Noir elements with a unique setting shift, taking the gritty urban atmosphere out into the bleak, snow-covered countryside, which offers very interesting angles. An exploration of themes like isolation, redemption, and empathy, ultimately revealing the psychological struggles of its damaged protagonist. It´s a treat to watch two heavyweights of the genre acting together. In my opinion, Ida Lupino´s best performance. Ryan also plays phenomenal. A great movie for Noir fans and thematically challenging stories.
City cop Jim Wilson has to face himself. Robert Ryan played in other Noir´s such as ‘Act of Violence (1948)’ and ‘The Set Up (1949).’
Ida Lupino as Mary Malden. Are there additional Noir flicks to watch her acting talents? Sure! Check out ‘High Sierra (1940)’ and ‘While the City Sleeps (1956).’
Walter Brent is looking for the murderer of his daughter. Actor Ward Bond is not a stranger when it comes to Noir characters. He played in ‘The Maltese Falcon (1941)’ and ‘Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye (1950).’
Pop (Charles Kemper), Jim (Robert Ryan) and Pete (Anthony Ross). Tough cops who face crime every day.
The teenager who sets everything in motion. Sumner Williams portrayed Mary´s brother Danny, who killed Walter Brent´s daughter.
There are two Femme Fatale in this movie. The first is Myrna (Cleo Moore), who is a gangster´s wife. Jim (Robert Ryan) questions her.
The second Femme Fatale is a young woman played by Nita Talbot. There´s a bar scene where she is trying to seduce Jim (Robert Ryan).
Rating
‘On Dangerous Ground (1952)’ reached the ‘Breathless Heights‘ on the ‘Rating Mountain:’
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