One of John Sturges's best films, Bad Day at Black Rock (1955) cross pollinates several storylines. A Western noir with a socially conscious twist, it scores on multiple levels.One-armed veteran John J. Macreedy (Spencer Tracy) arrives in desolate Black Rock with a package for Mr. Komoko, a Japanese-American colleague. He's confronted by Reno Smith (Robert Ryan), who tells him Komoko was interned during the war. When Macreedy doesn't leave town, Reno's toughs try running him out. Resisting threats and intimidation, Macreedy slowly uncovers the truth behind Komoko's disappearance.
Based on Howard Breslin's story, Bad Day at Black Rock provides an interesting genre blend. William C. Mellor's photography provides visuals befitting a Western, contrasting the sparse set against gorgeous views of the Alabama Hills. It also fits a thriller suspense structure, a noir-inspired mystery and the anger of a message picture. Sturges's taut, measured direction keeps everything balanced, mixing in action (car chases, a climactic shootout) with the thriller dynamics.
Sturges and writers Don Maguire and Millard Kaufman slightly strain credulity. We wonder why Macreedy is so reticent, or the townspeople so obviously suspicious. Black Rock's other dynamics hook us: Macreedy lacks an arm but manhandles Reno's goons with jujitsu and Molotov cocktails. He's set against Reno, a racist monster who browbeats the town into line. His slimy unctuousness gives way to hateful speechmaking, a slime pit demagogue who projects his inadequacies onto societies.
Tackling Japanese internment was bold for Black Rock; Kimoko's injustice is keenly felt, even though he never appears. Sturges makes Black Rock a microcosm of complicity, its citizens browbeat by Reno. The Sheriff (Dean Jagger) sleeps in a cell, pretty Liz (Anne Francis) and her brother (John Ericson) refuse to involve themselves. Only the town undertaker (Walter Brennan) sides with Macreedy, feeling Black Rock must confront its past to move forward. It's a metaphor more powerful than a dozen Stanley Kramer flicks.
Spencer Tracy makes Macreedy a compelling hero, thin-lipped politeness masking a stoic tough guy. Robert Ryan revisits his villain from Crossfire, a racist heel representing deeper societal evil. Lee Marvin and Ernest Borgnine offer dues-paying support: Borgnine played Marty the same year Tracy hurled him through a screen door. Anne Francis is a fair love interest; Walter Brennan and Dean Jagger have supporting roles.
Bad Day at Black Rock is a nice piece of work. Clocking in at 81 minutes, it doesn't overstay its welcome as thriller or social drama.
