Out of the Past is so perfect a film noir that it is considered practically a textbook example of the genre. In his first starring role (it had previously been offered to John Garfield and Dick Powell), Robert Mitchum plays Jeff Bailey, the friendly but secretive proprietor of a mountain-village gas station. As Jeff's worshipful deaf-mute attendant (Dick Moore) looks on in curious fascination, an unsavory character named Joe (Paul Valentine) pulls up to the station, obviously looking for the owner. Jeff is all too aware ...
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Out of the Past is so perfect a film noir that it is considered practically a textbook example of the genre. In his first starring role (it had previously been offered to John Garfield and Dick Powell), Robert Mitchum plays Jeff Bailey, the friendly but secretive proprietor of a mountain-village gas station. As Jeff's worshipful deaf-mute attendant (Dick Moore) looks on in curious fascination, an unsavory character named Joe (Paul Valentine) pulls up to the station, obviously looking for the owner. Jeff is all too aware of Joe's identity; he's been dreading this moment for quite some time, knowing full well that it will mean the end of his semi-idyllic existence, not to mention his engagement to local girl Ann (Virginia Huston). In a lengthy flashback, the audience is apprised of the reasons behind Jeff's discomfort - and thus begins a tale of treachery, betrayal and intrigue that extends into the present day and turns Jeff's life upside down. Out of the Past was remade in 1984 as Against All Odds, with Jane Greer cast as the mother of her original character. Hal Erickson, Rovi
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Seller's Description:
Very Good. DVD A well-cared-for item that has seen limited use but remains in better than average cosmetic condition. The item is complete, and without major damage. It may have limited signs of use. Packed with care, shipped promptly.
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Ken Niles, Dickie Moore, Paul Valentine, Virginia Huston, Steve Brodie, Richard Webb, Rhonda Fleming, Kirk Douglas, Jane... Very good. 1947 Run time: 97.
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Ken Niles, Dickie Moore, Paul Valentine, Virginia Huston, Steve Brodie, Richard Webb, Rhonda Fleming, Kirk Douglas, Jane... Very good. 1947 Run time: 97. Ships Fast! Satisfaction Guaranteed!
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Good. This item has very light surface scratches that do not affect the use of the disc/s. This is a USED item and case may have light wear. All items unless otherwise noted will include disc, case, and artwork. Codes have been used. Other contents such as booklets may vary, please inquire for details. All items ship Monday-Friday within 2-3 business days.
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Good. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and free of scratches. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. Case and artwork may show some wear. If applicable, digital copies may not be redeemable. All disc(s) are authentic.
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Virginia Huston, Steve Brodie, Richard Webb, Rhonda Fleming, Kirk Douglas, Jane Greer, Robert Mitchum. Good. 1947 Minor surface scratches to the disc Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day.
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Robert Mitchum; Jane Greer; Kirk Douglas; Rhonda Fleming; Richard Webb. Very Good. In very good packaging. Run time: 97 mins. Language: English. Out of the Past [DVD] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]
I had seen "Out of the Past", this romantic and gritty1947 film directed by Jacques Tourneur, at a film noir festival. The plot becomes entangled and difficult to follow at about the film's mid-point. It took some revisiting of the past by watching the film again to work out of the confusion. With the tangled story, "Out of the Past" is a superb film which deserves its place on the National Film Registry as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
Starring Robert Mitchum a tough, cynical private investigator Jeff Markham trying to make a quiet new life in a small California town under the name of Jeff Bailey and Jane Greer at Kathie, the irresistible femme fatale, "Out of the Past" suggests how difficult it is to escape one's past. The film includes an almost bewildering number of romantic stops and starts in an ill-fated triangle together with a series of murders and robberies with mutual betrayals. Kathie is at their center, as the mistress of the suave but deadly gangster, Whit Sterling (Kirk Douglas) and as the lover of Jeff.
Robert Mitchum captures the essence of the noir character in this film, with his tough exterior, witty, sharp repartee, dress, and ever-present cigarettes. Mitchum narrates in a voice-over through the first half of the film which is presented as a flashback. And the viewer can understand how Jane Greer is get her way with men. The cinematography of the film features shadows and different angles and long takes of the faces of the characters, including Mitchum's cigarettes and his hat. The three primary settings of the movie, in the town of Bridgeport, California, San Francisco, and Lake Tahoe are well differentiated and each plays a crucial role in the movie. The film has a lush orchestral score by Roy Webb.
The details of the story become clearer with repeated viewings, but the gist of it is clear. The film shows a sad, failed search for goodness and peace for its jaded characters. The movie succeeds through its characterizations and unfailing setting of moods and places more that through the convolutions of the plot.
I have become an admirer of film noir in recent years, "Out of the past" takes a sad, bittersweet look at the nature of the past and of how it forms the present. I was glad for the opportunity to see and then revisit this classic film noir.
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