Rent Crossfire (1947)

Has everything suddenly gone crazy? - Crossfire review by Steve

Pessimistic social realism about a bigoted soldier who kills a Jewish civilian. Robert Young plays a detective who investigates a group of suspects recently demobbed after World War II, including Robert Ryan as an intimidating redneck and the more reflective, gentle Robert Mitchum.  

Edward Dmytryk gives the long boozy night an expressionist look; often out of focus, with tilted frames and camera shake. He creates a powerful impression of alcohol induced hysteria and disorientation. The interiors are opened up by the director's constantly searching camera which induces a feeling of restlessness.

 The trauma of the war is a recurring theme of forties film noir, but it is often implied. Here the issue is confronted directly, particularly in a long pacifist speech by the civilian who will be murdered. The soldiers are home, but they are still fighting, looking for a new enemy to hate.

As Mitchum's sergeant says: 'The snakes are loose. Anybody can get them. I get 'em myself, but they're friends of mine.'  Taylor delivers a long, persuasive monologue about intolerance. In its initial years, film noir was usually about the unravelling of a tragic flaw. But the Hollywood left was starting to look up, and out towards the world.