"Raw Deal" from 1958 is directed by Anthony Mann and stars Dennis O'Keefe, Claire Trevor, Marsha Hunt, Raymond Burr, and John Ireland.
The film is narrated by Pat (Trevor), who is the girlfriend of escaped convict Joe (O'Keefe). Joe took the rap for a mob boss, Rick Coyle (Burr) who is supposed to pay him $50,000. Pat helps him escape, but their car breaks down, and the two head for the apartment of a social worker (Hunt) who has visited him in prison. Ann is horrified to see Joe and nearly calls the police. He and Pat take her hostage, with Joe not admitting that he is very attracted to Ann. Pat picks up on it, and is jealous.
Meanwhile, Rick sends his henchman (John Ireland) and others out to make sure Joe is murdered so he won't have to see him.
This is a very good noir and a stereotypical one. The narration and dialogue as spoken by Claire Trevor has the sound of something you'd see on In Living Color and the old Carol Burnett Show. Now, in a noir, they fit the style beautifully - later, of course, this type of dialogue was used for comedy. Tough dialogue like: "It's the daily fight that everyone has. To get food and an education, to land a job and keep it. And some self-respect. 'Safe'? I never asked for anything safe. All I want is... just a little decency, that's all!" Perfect.
Anthony Mann's excellent direction moves this film right along and builds suspense. It's a violent film, yet most of the violence is in our imagination. Mann kept moving up the director ladder, but in his early days directed some terrific noirs.
The cast is excellent, with Trevor's aging floosie, desperately in love with Joe, a standout. Hunt is lovely in a sincere performance as a naive woman. I saw her a couple of years ago at Paramount's 100th anniversary and at 95, she looks wonderful and was delightful. Raymond Burr is mean as dirt, and Ireland is an effective associate. O'Keefe wasn't an exciting actor, though he holds his own in this. Though he's the lead, it's not the showiest role. He was attractive and at his best in light comedy, though he evidently loved this type of film and did a few that were successful.
Very good noir with interesting photography and a real edge to it.
The film is narrated by Pat (Trevor), who is the girlfriend of escaped convict Joe (O'Keefe). Joe took the rap for a mob boss, Rick Coyle (Burr) who is supposed to pay him $50,000. Pat helps him escape, but their car breaks down, and the two head for the apartment of a social worker (Hunt) who has visited him in prison. Ann is horrified to see Joe and nearly calls the police. He and Pat take her hostage, with Joe not admitting that he is very attracted to Ann. Pat picks up on it, and is jealous.
Meanwhile, Rick sends his henchman (John Ireland) and others out to make sure Joe is murdered so he won't have to see him.
This is a very good noir and a stereotypical one. The narration and dialogue as spoken by Claire Trevor has the sound of something you'd see on In Living Color and the old Carol Burnett Show. Now, in a noir, they fit the style beautifully - later, of course, this type of dialogue was used for comedy. Tough dialogue like: "It's the daily fight that everyone has. To get food and an education, to land a job and keep it. And some self-respect. 'Safe'? I never asked for anything safe. All I want is... just a little decency, that's all!" Perfect.
Anthony Mann's excellent direction moves this film right along and builds suspense. It's a violent film, yet most of the violence is in our imagination. Mann kept moving up the director ladder, but in his early days directed some terrific noirs.
The cast is excellent, with Trevor's aging floosie, desperately in love with Joe, a standout. Hunt is lovely in a sincere performance as a naive woman. I saw her a couple of years ago at Paramount's 100th anniversary and at 95, she looks wonderful and was delightful. Raymond Burr is mean as dirt, and Ireland is an effective associate. O'Keefe wasn't an exciting actor, though he holds his own in this. Though he's the lead, it's not the showiest role. He was attractive and at his best in light comedy, though he evidently loved this type of film and did a few that were successful.
Very good noir with interesting photography and a real edge to it.