Cry Danger

“The skilful directorial debut of former film editor Robert Parrish is an underappreciated noir gem. Based on a Jerome Cady story that was originally purchased by Humphrey Bogart’s production company, Cry Danger features the tersely pitch-perfect Dick Powell as ex-convict Rocky Mulloy, who returns to Los Angeles to find the gang that framed him for a crime he did not commit. Aided by a hard-drinking, crippled ex-marine (brilliantly realized by Richard Erdman), Mulloy sets up home-base at a Bunker Hill trailer camp that is home to his ex-girlfriend Nancy, played by the graceful Rhonda Fleming. Dick Powell had already transitioned comfortably to crime dramas with the likes of Murder, My Sweet and Pitfall to name a few. The standout performance here belongs to his cohort Erdman. Jean Porter, wife of frequent noir director Edward Dmytryk, is also a delight as one of the several downtown Los Angeles denizens adding the equally amusing and seedy local color. Preservation partner and Film Noir Foundation President Eddie Muller calls Cry Danger a ‘crackerjack crime film — short, smart, sassy, and full of surprises’” (Todd Weiner, UCLA). B&W, 35mm. 79 mins. Preservation funded by the Film Noir Foundation.