Dangerous Mission (1954). Was filmed in Glacier National Park, Montana,

Dangerous Mission(1954). Dramatic color/film, noir/thriller. Cast: Victor Mature, Piper Laurie, Vincent Price and William Bendix. Directed by Louis King and released by RKO Pictures. It is remembered for its use of 3-D film technology.

Gangster Johnny Yonkers, is charged with Battaglia's murder but plans to plead self-defense. Knowing that the district attorney is looking for the eyewitness, Johnny, hires someone to find the woman, who saw him kill piano player named Battaglia and kill her too.

Matt Hallett, arrives at Montana's Glacier National Park and checks in at the resort hotel. There, Matt meets, Indian girl Mary Tiller, park ranger Joe Parker and Paul Adams, a commercial photographer. Next, Matt sends a telegram to New York stating that "our friend is here."

Later, that evening, dressed in their western wear.. Matt takes Mary(dressed in a evening gown) to a dance, which is being held in beautiful home, built into the side of a mountain. As Paul, who came with Louise, dances with Mary, Parker shows Matt a wanted poster for Mary's father Katoonai, who is wanted on murder charges.

Later, Matt asks Louise to dance, but when the song "One for My Baby" is played on the jukebox, she gets a weird look on her face.

Soon after, an avalanche slides onto the house, causing the power lines to explode. To avoid a fire, Matt climbs the electrical pole and disables the power. Everyone, calls him a hero. Paul says that "he is braver than he thought" after an older woman insist on giving him a kiss on the lips.

The next day, during a Blackfoot ceremonial dance, Matt and Louise, go for a walk and he takes the opportunity to ask her about her relationship with Paul and why she was so upset by the song. But, they are interrupted by Paul, before she can answer.

Later that afternoon, Mary receives an award at the elementary school she once attended, but when she sees her proud father watching from a trap door in the ceiling, she faints.

That evening, at the hotel bar, Johnny posing as a guest, warns Paul that the gangster wants to kill Louise and gifts him a gun. Paul, goes looking for Louise and asks her to go for a ride, but.. before they can leave, Parker asks him and Matt to help fight a forest fire. As they battle the fire, Matt saves Paul's life.

Returning to the lodge, Paul, pretends to be concerned about Louise looking for an opportunity to kill her. Matt, is called to the phone before he can stop Louise, from driving away in Paul's car. After, getting off the phone he informs Park Ranger Parker, that he is a New York detective and needs his help in arresting Paul.

As Paul and Louise drive along a mountain road, a bulletin comes over their car radio, warning that Paul is a dangerous gunman. Louise, jumps out of the car and Paul tries to run her over. Falling over the embankment, Louise is not harmed and is able to pull herself back onto the road, where she is picked up by a passing motorist and taken to the ranger station.

Paul, rushes to Mary's room and informs her that the park rangers want to arrest him. Claiming that his car was stolen and used in a robbery. Paul then asks Mary to help him to leave the park.

Matt, takes Louise for a romantic boat ride on a lake and after confessing that he has fallen in love with her, asks her to testify against Johnny.

After returning to the lodge, they find a note from Mary, who writes that she is headed for New York. Thinking that Paul and Mary, are hiding in a Indian cave called Cave of the Winds.. even though the trail is very dangerous, they go looking for them. Along the way, they meet up with Katoonai, who believes that Mary and Paul will have to travel across a dangerous glacier to leave the park.

Katoonai, has Matt distract Paul with gunfire while he climbs onto the ledge above. Paul sees Katoonai and shoots him, sending him to his death. Paul, throws Mary against the rocks, forcing her to continue on.

While Mary struggles with Paul, he looses his gun in the snow. Matt then jumps Paul and as the two men are fighting, Louise reaches for the gun, she slips and falls on to a ledge. Will the park rangers get there in time to save Mary and Paul?

What I enjoyed most about Dangerous Mission, is the great location cinematography of Glacier National Park where it was filmed. My favorite scenes are when.. the landslide slides into the beautiful hillside home and when Victor Mature, goes out and takes on a downed power line. Also, the final chase scene across the glacier is also exciting to watch. There is something about the actress, Piper Laurie that reminds me a little of Debbie Reynolds. This is a must see for all Vincent Price fans.

Piper Laurie (January 22, 1932). In 1949, Rosetta Jacobs signed a contract with Universal Studios, changing her screen name to Piper Laurie.

Her breakout role was in Louisa, with Ronald Reagan (whom she dated a few times before his marriage to Nancy Davis.

Several other roles followed: Francis Goes to the Races (1951), Son of Ali Baba (1952) and Ain't Misbehavin' (1955).

Discouraged by the lack of substantial film roles, she moved to New York to study acting and to work on the stage and in television. She performed in: Twelfth Night, produced by Hallmark Hall of Fame and Days of Wine and Roses.

She was again lured to Hollywood by the offer to co-star with Paul Newman in The Hustler(1961). She played Newman's crippled girlfriend, Sarah Packard and for her performance she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

After The Hustler, she and her husband moved to New York State. She accepted the role of Margaret White in the film, Carrie (1976) and received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in that role.

After her 1981 divorce, Laurie moved back to California. In 1986, she received a third Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Mrs. Norman in Children of a Lesser God. That same year she was awarded an Emmy for her performance in Promise, a Hallmark Hall of Fame television movie.

In 1965, she starred in a Broadway revival of Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie.

She had a featured role in the Off-Broadway production of, The Destiny of Me in 1992 and returned to Broadway for Lincoln Center's acclaimed 2002 revival of Paul Osborn's Morning's at Seven.

In 1964, she performed in two medical dramas: The Eleventh Hour episode "My Door Is Locked and Bolted", and Breaking Point episode "The Summer House".

In 1990-91, she starred as the devious Catherine Martell in the television series, Twin Peaks.

She performed in, Other People's Money (1991) and Trauma (1993).

She played George Clooney's character's mother on ER.

1997 film A Christmas Memory.

 In 1998, she performed in the sci-fi thriller, The Faculty.

She made guest appearances on television shows:  Frasier, Matlock, State of Grace, Will and Grace, Cold Case, and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.

She returned to the big screen for independent films: Eulogy and The Dead Girl.

Fabulous Films of the 1940's Blogathon: Laura (1944).

Laura (1944). A film noir directed by Otto Preminger. Cast: Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb and Vincent Price. The screenplay by Jay Dratler, Samuel Hoffenstein, and Elizabeth Reinhardt is based on the 1943 novel of the same title by Vera Caspary.

Gene Tierney, is one of my favorite actress of the 40's and Laura, is one of my favorite "film noirs". A very interesting film, about a woman, who has three different type of men in love with her.

Dana Andrews, plays the perfect detective, who becomes obsessed with the portrait of Laura while investigating her death. Clifton Webb, plays Waldo Lydecker, who's also as obsessed with Laura.

Gene Tierney's, was never more beautiful, in her small part as a advertising executive, but.. if you are expecting her to look like the glamorous woman in the painting, you might be a little disappointed.

I'm also a huge fan of Vincent Price. Although, it was very odd to see him play such a cad..

Many film noirs, try to keep the audience guessing, but.. this film noir, with it's many unexpected plot twists and turns, does a wonderful job keeping the audience guessing who the killer is until the very end...

Signed on to investigate the brutal murder of Laura Hunt, New York police lieutenant Mark McPherson goes to question Laura's good friend, columnist Waldo Lydecker in his lavish apartment. Waldo, has read about Mark and his arrest of notorious gangster in the newspapers. Mark knows that Waldo, wrote about a murder committed the very same way that Laura was killed.

Waldo, asks if he can join up with Mark on his investigation, because.. he wants to see everyone's reaction, while being questioned, maybe... he could use the information for his next project. They both call on Laura's aunt, the wealthy Ann Treadwell. He asks her if she approves of Laura's marriage to Shelby Carpenter. Mark, then asks about Ann's relationship with Laura's fiance Shelby, saying that he has evidence that she has been giving him money.

Shelby, a charming, creepy, womanizer.. and born suspect, arrives and says that he and Laura were to be married later that week. Waldo, corrects him and said that Laura had not yet decided to go through with the wedding. Mark asks Shelby, if he has a key to her country home? He says "no, but.. there might be a key in her apartment".

Shelby, Mark and Waldo, all go to Laura's well decorated apartment and after Shelby hands over the key, that he had hidden in his pocket. When they discover his lie, Waldo accuses him of murder.

Later, Waldo invites Mark to his and Laura's favorite restaurant, Algonquin. Waldo, takes this opportunity, to share his story about the first time he met Laura, five years ago on her 22nd birthday:

Waldo, was dining alone when he is approached by Laura, who asks Waldo to endorse a pen for her company, but... he quickly dismisses her. Right before she leaves, she calls him a selfish, lonely man. Sorry, for being so rude Waldo goes to see Laura at the agency where she works. He apologizes and agrees to the endorsement.

Even though they become close friends, their relationship is platonic. It seems very strange that Waldo, becomes jealous of all her suitors and uses his column to ruin their relationship.

At one of Ann's parties, Laura meets Shelby, who confesses that his family has been bankrupt for years. After, Laura gives him a job at the advertising agency, they become engaged to be married.

Of course.. Waldo has Shelby investigated and informs Laura that her fiance is dating a model, Diane Redfern. Laura, does not believe him until he shows her a gold cigarette case that she gave Shelby, saying he bought it at the pawn shop where Diane pawned it.

Back in the restaurant, Waldo tells Mark that Laura had lunch with Diane the day of her death and was planing to go to her country home for a few days to think things over.

The following night, Mark, who seems to be falling in love with Laura's ghost, returns to the apartment and continues searching through her letters and diary. Waldo, stops by and says he knows Mark, has put in a bid for Laura's portrait and accuses him for falling in love with her.

After, Waldo leaves, Mark falls asleep under the portrait. He wakes to the sound of someone entering the room...Could it be the killer?

Fun Facts:

Marlene Dietrich, expressed interest in portraying the title character.

Darryl F. Zanuck was opposed to casting Clifton Webb because of Webb's homosexuality, but producer/director Otto Preminger prevailed and the 54-year-old Webb, making his first screen appearance since the silent era, was nominated for an Oscar.

The portrait of Laura is, a photograph done over with oil paint.

The original choice for the role of Laura was Jennifer Jones, who turned it down.

One of the film's most durable legacies was its theme song "Laura," composed over one weekend by David Raksin. Otto Preminger had originally wanted to use Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady." According to Preminger biographer Gerald Pratley, Preminger tried to get the rights to George Gershwin's "Summertime" but was unable to.

This movie is famous for the haunting "Laura Theme". When asked why she had turned down the part of Laura, Hedy Lamarr said, "They sent me the script, not the score."

Gene Tierney, originally did not want to make this film but did it under contract obligations.

The famous theme song David Raksin wrote for the film was originally entitled "Judy" in honor of Judy Garland.

According to her auto-biography, Rosalind Russell was offered the role of Laura, she felt the part was too small and turned it down.

Gene Tierney's, best movie performances in my opinion all took place in the 1940's. Starting with her movie debut playing a reporter for the newspaper, The Denver Star. In the film, The Return of Frank James (1940).

Later, She landed a small role in, Hudson's Bay (1941). A historical drama, about a couple of French-Canadian explorers who formed the Hudson's Bay Company..

In 1941, Tierney co-starred in the comedy, Tobacco Road, directed by John Ford.

At the age of 20, she also had a title role in, War film, Sundown. The film's an adventure story, set against a World War II in British East Africa, earning three Academy Award nominations. I enjoyed this film much better than I thought I would.

Video: in my opinion is when she looked her best.

 

Next, she went on to film one of my favorite films: The Shanghai Gesture. This early film noir is about the lives and secret pasts of the leading characters, who enjoy gambling in a luxurious casino owned by "Mother" Gin Sling. The Shanghai Gesture received Academy Award nominations for Best Art Direction (Boris Leven) and Best Original Music Score.

The following year, she performed in, Son of Fury: The Story of Benjamin Blake, along with the dual role in the screwball comedy film, Rings on Her Fingers, Thunder Birds, China Girl and in the 1943 comedy, Heaven Can Wait.

In 1944, she starred in what became her most famous role in the film noir, Laura.

After performing in the film, A Bell for Adano (1945) as a blonde, she played in one of my favorite characters of all time.. the jealous, narcissistic femme fatale Ellen Berent Harland, in the film version of the best-selling Ben Ames Williams novel... Leave Her to Heaven, a performance that won her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress (1945). Leave Her To Heaven was 20th Century-Fox's most successful film of the 1940's. It was cited by acclaimed director Martin Scorsese as one of his favorite films of all time.

In 1946, Tierney starred in the film, Dragonwyck. That same year, she starred in another favorite film, The Razor's Edge, an adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham's novel.

She followed that performance with her role in another one of my favorite films, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947), which many critics have noted to be her greatest performance besides Laura (for which she did not receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

The following year, Tierney starred in the screwball comedy, That Wonderful Urge (1948). As the 1940's came to a close, Tierney performed in the classic film noir, Whirlpool (1949).

This is my contribution to the Classic Movie Blog Association's Fabulous Films of the 1940's Blogathon. Please click on poster located on the side bar to see all participating blogs.

Leave Her to Heaven (1945).

Gene Tierney, is best remembered for her performance in the title role of Laura (1944) and her Academy Award nominated performance for Best Actress in Leave Her to Heaven (1945). Film Noir. Cast: Gene Tierney, Cornel Wilde, Jeanne Crain, with Vincent Price, Darryl Hickman, and Chill Wills. It was adapted for the screen by Jo Swerling, based on the best-selling novel by Ben Ames Williams, and was directed by John M. Stahl. Tierney received an Oscar nomination as Best Actress in a Leading Role for this film.

The story begins when author Richard Harland is released from prison after serving a two-year sentence. Richard, is met by his attorney, Glen Robie, who has a small boat waiting for Richard, to take him back to "Back of the Moon," he begins to tell his story in a flashback:

Richard is working on a new novel, when he accepts an invitation from Glen to visit him at his ranch in New Mexico. During the train ride, Richard meets a beautiful young woman who says that he reminds her of her late father.

 

 Later, Richard meets Glen at the station, who tells him that Ellen Berent, is also visiting his family with her mother Margaret and sister Ruth.(first picture)

During dinner, Ellen tells Richard that they have come to scatter her father's ashes at his favorite spot in the mountains. Richard follows close behind as the family scatters the ashes.

The following day, as Richard is working on his novel on the patio he confesses to Ellen that he asked Glen about her fiancee, attorney Russell Quinton, she admits that she has taken off her engagement ring.

The next night, Russell comes in with the storm, having received a telegram from Ellen breaking off their engagement. Richard is surprised when Ellen announces their engagement and the couple are soon married.

While on their honeymoon, the newlyweds travel to Warm Springs, Georgia, to visit Richard's brother Danny who is recovering from polio. Ellen helps Danny to walk with crutches, and soon the boy is joining Ellen and Richard at, Back of the Moon. Ellen is not happy with the presence of Danny and old family friend, who is also the care taker of the lodge. Ellen is beside herself with anger when Margaret and Ruth show up at the lodge. Richard is embarrassed by his wife's actions. Ellen accuses Richard of being in love with Ruth, then begs for his forgiveness by telling him that she does not want to share him with anyone else.

Margaret and Ruth leave soon after and one afternoon, Ellen takes Danny on his daily swim in the lake. Ellen follows in a small boat behind Danny, but when a cramp over comes him he begs her to help him, she watches without feelings as he drowns. Over time, Richard realizes that his wife's insane jealousy is the the cause of all the tragedies in his life. But... nobody, can guess what she has planned for the rest them.

Tierney's performance is very chilling playing against some of the most beautiful settings ever filmed. Alfred Newman's beautiful music helps slowly build the tension. What I consider one of the best film noirs ever made. Gene Tierney deserved her Oscar nomination but, lost out to Joan Crawford for "Mildred Pierce".

Tierney said "Leave Her to Heaven" was "the best role she ever had and it was also her favorite film."

Some of the beautiful ranch scenes were filmed in Sedona, Arizona.

Gene Tierney is one of my favorite actresses. Please check out my Gene Tierney page for movie reviews and pictures. Located on the side bar.

Video: Movie in full.


 

His Kind of Woman (1951).

His Kind of Woman (1951). Cast: Robert Mitchum and Jane Russell. With supporting roles by: Vincent Price, Raymond Burr and Charles McGraw. Directer: John Farrow.

Gangster Nick Ferraro, who has been living in Naples since his deportation from the United States, wants to return to the States to put his business back together. First he must change his identity.

He and his partners pick out a gambler named Dan Milner, whose weight and height match Ferraro's. They offer him $50,000 to go to Mexico for a year, without revealing who is paying him. Down on his luck, Dan accepts partial payment and travels to Nogales, Mexico.

While waiting for his plane, Dan meets Lenore Brent, an heiress and singer. To his surprise, he and Lenore board the same small plane, which Dan learns is headed for Morro's Lodge in Baja California.

At the resort, owner Jose Morro asks Dan about himself, while Myron Winton, shares with him information about some of the lodge's other guests. Dan becomes concerned about Krafft and Thompson and confronts them, who assure him that he will find out more information from a man who is on his way to the lodge.

The next day, Dan comes the conclusion that Lenore is having an affair with Mark. Lenore is really Liz Brady, who is posing as an heiress in order to marry Mark, who is separated from his wife Helen.

In one of my favorite scenes of the movie, soft-hearted Dan helps Jennie's husband Milton beat Myron at poker. He then asks Morro about the man he is supposed to meet. Morro pretends that he does not know what he is talking about, then tries to discourage pilot, Bill Lusk, from landing at the resort, during a huge thunderstorm.

The next day, Bill confesses to Dan that he is an undercover agent and informs Dan, that he has sold his identity to a gangster, who has hired Krafft, an ex-Nazi plastic surgeon, to change his face to look like his. You will have to watch to see who comes to Dan's rescue, you will be surprised.

This is a fun Noir/comedy/adventure with Robert Mitchum and Jane Russell, beautifully teamed together. Vincent Price supplies many of the laughs and is a very interesting character in this film.


Video: Robert Mitchum's Studio Days Part 3 (about filming the movie His Kind of Woman(1952).



Charles McGraw, became popular in the film noirs during the late 1940's and 1950's.

His gravelly voice and rugged looks was perfect in the noir genre and he performed in many roles as cop or gunman.

Introduced with William Conrad as the two hit men terrorizing a small town diner in the film The Killers(1946), McGraw's best known perform aces include: Roadblock(1951), The Narrow Margin (1952), Spartacus, Armored Car Robbery (1950) and A Boy and His Dog (1975).

The Bribe(1949). Story about love and temptation.

The Bribe (1949). Crime/film noir. Director: Robert Z. Leonard and written by Marguerite Roberts, based on a story written by Frederick Nebel. Cast: Robert Taylor, Ava Gardner, Charles Laughton, and Vincent Price.

Rigby remembers, when his boss, Gibbs, first briefed him on how racketeers have been stealing war supplies and airplane motors headed Central America. Rigby, is told that the government suspects war veteran Tug.

After arriving in Carlota, Rigby, finds Tug's wife Elizabeth, singing at a nightclub and they become friends.



Soon, Rigby and Elizabeth fall in love, Tug is either too drunk or too busy to notice. One night, Rigby is approached by J. J. Bealer, a thief, who, offers him $10,000 to leave the island. Rigby rejects the bribe and begins to suspect Carwood, who is posing as a mine owner.

The next day, wanting to learn more about Carwood, Rigby joins him on a fishing trip. The fishing trip almost becomes fatal for Rigby when Carwood causes the fishing boat to lurch forward while Rigby is trying to bring in a huge Marlin. Rigby is falls into the water, the boatman, jumps into the water and saves him. Unfortunately, the boatman is killed by a shark while trying to swim back to the boat. While informing the boat mans father of his sons death. The father confirms Rigby's suspicions and volunteers to help Rigby with his investigation.

Rigby, finds himself torn between his love for Elizabeth and his investigation. He wants to save Elizabeth by accepting Bealer's bribe and leaving the island with her. Before Rigby can tell Elizabeth, Bealer informs Elizabeth, that her husband is a criminal and that Rigby is an investigator, who is going to put him in prison. Tug talks Elizabeth into drugging Rigby long enough to allow him to leave. Rigby loses consciousness after drinking a cocktail laced with a sedative. Will he come to in time to catch the smugglers?

This is the first time I have seen, THE BRIBE. I thought Laughton and Price gave the best performances.. My favorite part takes place at the end, which is exciting and visually awesome.