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They Live by Night (1948)
Rate:
8
Viewed:
1/09
1/09:
Making his directorial debut, Nicholas Ray creates a fine depressing romantic film noir called They Live by Night.
Farley Granger may be well known for starring in two Alfred Hitchcock pictures, Rope and
Strangers on a Train, but he's at his best here. The chief problem with him is his
youthful-looking face. It probably explains why he disappeared from Hollywood not long afterwards.
Nevertheless, Farley Granger is perfect for the role as he works well with Cathy O'Donnell. I like the other two characters
played by Howard Da Silva and Jay Flippen; both set the tone of the film before the two leads take it from there to keep the
momentum going for as long as possible.
About three-quarters of the way, the steam starts to run out, and when the ending comes, Nicholas Ray fumbles the poignant
moment while shooting a shabbily handled climax. Had it been done correctly, I would've given the film a '9'. One impressive scene
is the aerial shot during the opening scene which would be repeated in two Clint Eastwood's films:
Dirty Harry and Play Misty for Me.
All in all, They Live by Night is an impressive film noir picture with great performances, a superbly crafted
story, and wonderful lines but falls short of perfection toward the end.