In a Lonely Place

Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Gloria Grahame, Frank Lovejoy, Carl Benton Reid, Art Smith

Directed by: Nicholas Ray

RS: 4of 4 Stars

1950 Drama

One of the last great film noirs is restored to its 1950s black-and-white glory (cheers to the extras on the restoration and incisive commentary from 8 Mile director Curtis Hanson).

Bogart plays Dixon Steele, a hotheaded screenwriter accused of murdering a hatcheck girl, which doesn't stop him from hitting on a starlet (Gloria Grahame). Director Nicholas Ray (Rebel Without a Cause) used the mystery plot to hammer movie studios as "popcorn salesmen." The indictment still fits, and coming out of Bogie's mouth, it sure sounds sweet.

PETER TRAVERS
(April 9, 2003)