As denoted by its title I Walk The Line is distinguished by its use of a country music soundtrack supplied by Johnny Cash. Because Cash's biggest hit was used as the title of this film, the fine biographical film that starred Joaquin Phoenix many years later had the 'I' cut from the title.
Gregory Peck with the exception of an occasional rogue as in Duel In The Sun usually is the most upright of moral heroes. His very uprightness is turned on its ear in I Walk The Line with a plot that somewhat resembles The Blue Angel. Peck is the local sheriff who has been ordered by Federal Man Lonny Chapman to clean out a nest of moonshiners. He makes it clear he wouldn't do that on his own as these people supplement their very existence from the untaxed alcohol the sell.
But then Peck is given a really good reason not to pursue one of these families. He's going through the usual forty something midlife crisis and when he stops Tuesday Weld for speeding, the little hillbilly tramp really sparks his engine. With the connivance of her moonshiner father Ralph Meeker, she and Peck go at it hot and heavy. He uses his official position to cover this family up and it all ends really badly for Peck. Director John Frankenheimer does leave Peck's fate as uncertain at the end, but the viewer will not think of any good options for him.
Mixing films like The Blue Angel and Thunder Road doesn't quite jell. Tuesday Weld is certainly one seductive sight, but somehow I could never wrap my mind around Gregory Peck falling for her. Maybe then we're all vulnerable, even Atticus Finch.
The film didn't do much for the careers of the folks behind and in front of the camera. Then again Peck was not getting too many good film offers at this point in his career. But if you like Johnny Cash this is your film, his singing is the best thing about it.
Gregory Peck with the exception of an occasional rogue as in Duel In The Sun usually is the most upright of moral heroes. His very uprightness is turned on its ear in I Walk The Line with a plot that somewhat resembles The Blue Angel. Peck is the local sheriff who has been ordered by Federal Man Lonny Chapman to clean out a nest of moonshiners. He makes it clear he wouldn't do that on his own as these people supplement their very existence from the untaxed alcohol the sell.
But then Peck is given a really good reason not to pursue one of these families. He's going through the usual forty something midlife crisis and when he stops Tuesday Weld for speeding, the little hillbilly tramp really sparks his engine. With the connivance of her moonshiner father Ralph Meeker, she and Peck go at it hot and heavy. He uses his official position to cover this family up and it all ends really badly for Peck. Director John Frankenheimer does leave Peck's fate as uncertain at the end, but the viewer will not think of any good options for him.
Mixing films like The Blue Angel and Thunder Road doesn't quite jell. Tuesday Weld is certainly one seductive sight, but somehow I could never wrap my mind around Gregory Peck falling for her. Maybe then we're all vulnerable, even Atticus Finch.
The film didn't do much for the careers of the folks behind and in front of the camera. Then again Peck was not getting too many good film offers at this point in his career. But if you like Johnny Cash this is your film, his singing is the best thing about it.