On T List of Movie Reviews

(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)


Thunder Road (1958)

Rate: 7
Viewed: 2/24

ThRoad
2/24: Robert Mitchum is a moonshine bootlegger ready to battle the United States government on asphalt, hence Thunder Road.

So, is the movie good? Well, the subject matter is interesting and all. Draped with Kentucky/North Carolina/Tennessee feel, it's only slow-paced because the people are normal doing normal things. Yeah, there's the unbelievable opening scene of Mitchum's car flipping over but landing on its fours before driving away. Other than that, it's not bad for the most part.

Robert Mitchum's son, James, has a supporting role, and I can't get over the uncanny resemblance they have of each other. Either way, it's a nice flavor added for Thunder Road. James Mitchum's part was meant for Elvis Presley, but his manager asked for too much money. So, he got it instead to make his first on-screen appearance. Similarly for Mitchell Ryan who'll be memorable as the general-turned-heroin-smuggler in Lethal Weapon.

What's nice is there's a good deal of film noir. Robert Mitchum has two women in love with his character, but I bet you never knew this: Sandra Knight, who plays Roxy, was once married to Jack Nicholson, but that's before he hit big in Easy Rider. It's the first and only marriage for him.

All in all, Thunder Road is strictly for Robert Mitchum fans.