Blu-ray review: “Appointment with Danger” (1950)

“Appointment with Danger” (1950)

Drama

Running Time: 104 minutes

Written by: Richard L. Breen and Warren Duff

Directed by: Lewis Allen

Featuring: Alan Ladd, Phyllis Calvert and Paul Stewart

Earl Boettiger: “What’s the matter with you? You got a face a foot long.”

Joe Regas: “You look as if you just lost your best friend.”

Al Goddard: “I’m my best friend.”

Joe Regas: “That’s what I said.”

Critical Commentary

“Appointment with Danger” is a classic film noir released in 1951, directed by Lewis Allen and starring Alan Ladd and Phyllis Calvert. Set in the gritty world of post-war Chicago, the movie combines elements of crime thriller and detective drama, delivering an intense and suspenseful experience.

The film follows the story of postal inspector Al Goddard (played by Alan Ladd), who is assigned to investigate the murder of a fellow inspector. As Al delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption and organized crime, involving a ruthless gang led by Earl Boettiger (played by Paul Stewart). To solve the murder and bring the criminals to justice, Al must navigate a treacherous path, risking his life in the process.

Alan Ladd delivers a strong performance as Al Goddard, portraying him as a tough and determined investigator with a sense of justice. He embodies the classic noir protagonist, a loner with a haunted past, whose moral compass guides him through the shadows of the criminal underworld. Ladd’s charisma and screen presence carry the film, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

The movie’s plot is intricately woven, with plenty of twists and turns that keep viewers guessing. It successfully captures the dark and moody atmosphere characteristic of film noir, with its shadowy cinematography and morally ambiguous characters. The pacing is generally well-maintained, although there are moments where the story feels slightly sluggish.

Phyllis Calvert delivers a solid performance as well, portraying a nun named Sister Augustine who becomes entangled in the investigation. Her character provides an interesting dynamic and adds a layer of moral conflict to the narrative. The chemistry between Ladd and Calvert is palpable, and their scenes together provide some of the film’s most memorable moments.

One of the standout aspects of “Appointment with Danger” is its gritty and atmospheric cinematography. The black-and-white visuals create a stark contrast, emphasizing the shadows and adding to the overall sense of unease. The film’s noir aesthetic is enhanced by the use of lighting and composition, effectively capturing the essence of the genre.

“Appointment with Danger” may not be as well-known as some of the other films from the era, it remains a solid entry in the film noir canon. It offers a gripping story, memorable performances, and a stylish visual presentation that fans of the genre will appreciate. If you enjoy classic crime thrillers with a dark and brooding atmosphere, this film is worth a watch.

“Appointment with Danger” stands out for its strong supporting cast, each bringing their own unique presence to the film. Paul Stewart delivers a chilling portrayal of Earl Boettiger, the ruthless gang leader. His menacing performance adds an extra layer of tension to the story, making him a formidable adversary for Al Goddard. The film also features reliable performances from Jan Sterling as Dodie, a femme fatale caught in the web of crime, and Jack Webb as Joe Regas, Al’s loyal colleague.

The screenplay of “Appointment with Danger” skillfully balances the elements of mystery, suspense, and drama. The dialogue is sharp and gritty, perfectly capturing the noir sensibilities of the era. The story unfolds gradually, revealing new pieces of the puzzle while keeping the audience engaged. The film manages to maintain a sense of urgency and impending danger throughout, making it a gripping viewing experience.

In terms of its production values, “Appointment with Danger” effectively captures the post-war urban landscape of Chicago. The sets and locations create an authentic backdrop, reflecting the gritty and atmospheric nature of the narrative. The film’s score also deserves mention, as it enhances the tension and mood of the scenes, further immersing viewers into the world of the story. As with many films of its time, it’s important to acknowledge that “Appointment with Danger” reflects the social attitudes and norms prevalent during the 1950s. Some aspects of the storytelling may seem outdated or clichéd to modern audiences. However, it’s crucial to view the film within the context of its time, appreciating its contributions to the film noir genre.

“Appointment with Danger” is a compelling and engaging film that delivers on the expectations of a classic noir thriller. With its strong performances, atmospheric visuals, and gripping narrative, it stands as a worthy addition to the genre. If you’re a fan of film noir or enjoy crime dramas with a dark and mysterious atmosphere, this movie is definitely worth seeking out.

The film explores themes of morality and redemption, common in the noir genre. Al Goddard, the protagonist, is driven by a strong sense of justice and the desire to bring criminals to account for their actions. Throughout the film, he faces moral dilemmas and grapples with his own demons, adding depth to his character and the overall storyline.

The action sequences in “Appointment with Danger” are well-executed and heighten the suspense. From tense car chases to intense confrontations, the film maintains a level of excitement and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. These sequences are not excessive but serve to advance the plot and increase the stakes for the characters involved.

The chemistry and dynamic between the characters, particularly between Al Goddard and Sister Augustine, offer a compelling subplot. Their interactions create a unique and unexpected relationship, as they find themselves drawn to each other despite their differing backgrounds and professions. This adds an additional layer of complexity to the story and provides moments of emotional depth.

The film’s direction by Lewis Allen is solid, effectively utilizing the noir aesthetics and crafting a visually engaging experience. Allen’s direction creates a sense of claustrophobia and unease, enhancing the suspense and heightening the overall impact of the film. His attention to detail in capturing the atmospheric elements of the genre contributes to the overall success of the movie.

“Appointment with Danger” also stands out for its portrayal of the postal service as an integral part of the story. It sheds light on the important role of postal inspectors and the dangers they face in protecting the integrity of the mail system. This unique aspect of the narrative adds an interesting twist to the typical crime thriller formula.

“Appointment with Danger” is a captivating film that showcases the best elements of the film noir genre. Its strong performances, engaging story, atmospheric visuals, and thought-provoking themes make it a worthy addition to the collection of classic crime dramas. If you enjoy the gritty and suspenseful world of film noir, this movie is a must-watch.

Technical Commentary

Video

There are some mild noise issues in certain landscape shots, but this image is generally attractive. Blacks are luscious, and background clarity enhances the film’s occasionally clever blocking. Textures, particularly of the sand that plays a pivotal role in the narrative, are well-detailed. There is a substantial amount of detail present throughout with subtle textures on the outfits and in the environments and production design. The contrast is steady with only a minor level of density fluctuation in the print. Black levels are pretty solid but could be given a bit more depth. There are no substantial occurrences of black crush or compression artefacts across the five films. The black-and-white photography holds up well across every film as they make the most of their high definition presentation with natural grain intact.

Audio

The soundtrack is clean and packs a bit of nicely understated oomph. Franz Waxman’s score is irritating, but it sounds great. The Blu-Ray set comes with a pretty solid LPCM 2.0 track for each of these five films that presents them well even with some years under their belt. Dialogue comes through clearly without sounding gauzy or weak. It is balanced well with the environmental elements so important elements stay prominent in the mix.

Special Features