This is an unusual and splendid noir. Hardly any location filming, or even cars or much fighting. Although there is a great one at the start, partly in the dark and then shadows only after a fallen lamp. Edward Dmytryk knows the way to deal with dark and light and here only in a set. With the G. I.'s in the bar there is conversation but it is really only the main man a little crazy, or the Detective his gentle questioning also the odd room with the people standing around and then part so that we can see the body. But It seems there is some discrimination, 'Hate is like a loaded gun' we understand. Robert Ryan is really good and we would keep out of his way, he can be friendly, happy and funny but also really nasty. Robert Young is one of the nicest Detective we have ever seen but he gradually gets his way. Robert Mitchum is the best chum in this one and he doesn't put a foot wrong and we're not sure whether he is right or wrong. As soon as Gloria Grahame comes onto the set we surely have eyes on her, sharp talking as well and a great way she just puts her arms around our drunk while into a dance. She may not be the centre of the action but she is certainly impressive.
Review of Crossfire
