“Dangerous Crossing” is a classic black-and-white Hitchcockian suspense movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Newlywed Ruth Bowen embarks on a transatlantic cruise but her honeymoon takes an unexpected turn when she becomes embroiled in a murder mystery. With no one to trust, Ruth must rely on her wits and resourcefulness to catch the killer before it’s too late. The film is tense, gripping, and full of twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end.
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Review
As a renowned wordsmith, Maya Angelou once said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” This quote rings true for many films throughout history, including the 1953 noir thriller Dangerous Crossing. Directed by Joseph M. Newman and starring Jeanne Crain, the film takes viewers on a heart-racing journey of mystery, suspense, and danger.
The storyline of Dangerous Crossing centers around Ruth Bowman (Jeanne Crain), a young bride traveling aboard a luxury liner to join her husband John in New York. However, when John fails to meet Ruth at the dock, she becomes increasingly paranoid about his whereabouts and safety. As tensions mount and strange occurrences continue to unfold aboard the ship, Ruth’s sanity is called into question.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Dangerous Crossing is its unique plot structure. The film opens with Ruth being questioned by police after arriving in New York. From there, the narrative jumps back to explore the events leading up to her arrival in America. This non-linear approach keeps viewers on their toes as they try to piece together the mystery alongside Ruth.
Beyond its thrilling plot twists and turns, Dangerous Crossing also boasts excellent acting from its cast. Jeanne Crain delivers a powerful performance as the troubled protagonist grappling with her own sense of reality. Her co-star Michael Rennie also shines as mysterious passenger Dr. Paul Manning.
While Dangerous Crossing may not have reached mainstream popularity during its time, it has since gained a cult following among noir enthusiasts. The film’s use of shadowy lighting and sharp camera angles creates a sense of unease throughout that still resonates with modern audiences.
In terms of awards recognition, Dangerous Crossing did not receive any major nominations or wins from industry organizations such as the Academy Awards or Golden Globes. However, this does not diminish the impact it has had on cinema and fans alike.
One notable aspect of Danger Crossing’s production was its high-quality cinematography. The film was shot by cinematographer Norbert Brodine, who had previously worked on classic films such as Cat People and Out of the Past. His use of lighting and camera placement helped to elevate the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.
Another interesting tidbit about Dangerous Crossing is its connection to real-life events. The film was based on John Dickson Carr’s novel Cabin B-13, which was inspired by the infamous disappearance of American aviator Amelia Earhart in 1937. While the film does not directly reference Earhart, her story serves as a haunting backdrop for Ruth’s journey.
Ultimately, Dangerous Crossing is a gripping and well-crafted thriller that deserves a place among noir classics. Its talented cast, intricate plot structure, and atmospheric cinematography make it a must-see for fans of the genre. As Maya Angelou reminds us, every story deserves to be told – and this one is certainly worth hearing.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 75
- Release : 1953-07-22
- Genre : Drama, Mystery, Thriller
- Cast : Jeanne Crain as Ruth Stanton Bowman, Michael Rennie as Paul Manning, Max Showalter as Jim Logan, Carl Betz as John Bowman, Mary Anderson as Anna Quinn
- Crew : Lyle R. Wheeler as Art Direction, William Reynolds as Editor, Joseph LaShelle as Director of Photography, Joseph M. Newman as Director, Robert Bassler as Producer
- Popularity 2.957
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : 20th Century Fox
- Summary : A young bride is set to begin her honeymoon aboard a luxury liner. Her happiness does not last when she finds that her husband has disappeared. Trouble is, no one else ever saw him board the ship with her and his name has mysteriously dropped from the passenger list.
- Tagline : Why would a man do a thing like this to his wife?
