Cornered is a post-war film noir thriller that follows a Canadian ex-RAF pilot who, after the death of his wife in the French Resistance, embarks on a relentless search across South America to track down the Nazi collaborator responsible. As he descends into a web of deceit and shifting identities, his obsession threatens to consume him. The film explores themes of revenge, justice, and the lingering moral complexities of war.
Genre: Film Noir, Thriller, Mystery
Director: Edward Dmytryk
Edward Dmytryk was a notable American film director best known for his work in the film noir and social drama genres. Born in Canada and raised in San Francisco, he began his career as a film editor before transitioning to directing in the 1930s. Dmytryk became one of the leading figures of the noir movement with films like Murder, My Sweet and Crossfire. His career was interrupted by his blacklisting during the McCarthy era, but he later resumed directing and teaching film.
Star Cast
- Dick Powell as Laurence Gerard
- Walter Slezak as Melchior Incza
- Micheline Cheirel as Mme. Jarnac
- Nina Vale as Madeleine Jarnac
- Morris Carnovsky as Manuel Satana
- Edgar Barrier as Diego
Cornered received strong reviews upon release, with particular praise for its moody atmosphere, tight direction, and Dick Powell’s gritty performance. It was seen as a timely and compelling drama that captured postwar disillusionment and the thirst for justice in a chaotic world. Though less widely remembered today than some other noir films, it retains a respected place in the genre for its intensity and political resonance.
Fun Facts
- The film marked another step in Dick Powell’s transformation from light musical star to hardboiled noir actor, following his success in Murder, My Sweet.
- It was one of several postwar thrillers that dealt with the international pursuit of Nazi war criminals, reflecting real-world concerns of the time.
- Edward Dmytryk and screenwriter John Paxton worked together frequently, and this film was part of a series of socially aware noirs produced by Adrian Scott.
- The film’s shadowy cinematography and claustrophobic settings enhanced its atmosphere of paranoia and moral ambiguity.
- Dmytryk later included Cornered in his teaching syllabus, using it as an example of effective noir storytelling and visual composition.
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