In A Lonely Place (1950)

16 October 2021

I like a good film noir, and this is one of the less called out ones, probably because there isn't a lot of detective work in it, like in the Maltese Falcon or L.A. Confidential. Starring Humphrey Bogart as violent writer Dixon Steele, this is psychological suspense flick. A murder takes place and although Steele has an alibi from her neighbor played by Gloria Grahame, she begins to wonder if did commit the crime.

This was a well done film - Bogart and Grahame did great jobs, the story was originally written with a different ending but the revised ending seems better for its era. Bogart also wanted to star opposite his wife Lauren Bacall, however, studio contracts prohibited it. Other things trivia-wise, this movie was called out having the main character most representing Bogart's actual personality. Other interesting facts include that the director and leading lady separated from each other during this time, though it wasn't noticed while filming.

It wasn't nominated for anything, but 1950 was a good year for movies in general, and most of Bogart's later award recognition came later with of the African Queen and Caine Mutiny. Though I will say after watching it, it makes me interested to see Shadow of a Doubt (1943) again and finally get that review out. 8/10