NIGHTFALL (1956, USA, 78m, PG) ***½
Crime, Drama, Film-Noir, Romance, Thriller
dist. Columbia Pictures; pr co. Copa Productions; d. Jacques Tourneur; w. Stirling Silliphant (based on the novel by David Goodis); pr. Ted Richmond; ph. Burnett Guffey (B&W | 1.85:1); m. George Duning; ed. William A. Lyon; ad. Ross Bellah.
cast: Aldo Ray (James Vanning), Brian Keith (John), Anne Bancroft (Marie Gardner), Jocelyn Brando (Laura Fraser), James Gregory (Ben Fraser), Frank Albertson (Dr. Edward Gurston), Rudy Bond (Red).
Taut thriller in which, through a series of bizarre coincidences, an artist (Ray) finds himself falsely accused of bank robbery and murder and is pursued by the authorities and the real killers. Expertly filmed by director Tourneur, unfolding the narrative by mixing the present with flashbacks to the past. Ray delivers a nicely pitched performance as the artist out to clear his name. Fashion model Bancroft looks to assist him in getting to the truth, whilst Keith and Bond make for memorable villains. Whilst it adds little that is new to the noir genre, the proficient handling of the material makes for an involving viewing experience. Good use of snowy Wyoming locations.
