• It is a key film in the history of film noir
  • Also well-known and often cited as one of the best film debuts of all-time
  • Begins Ray’s exploration and medication on youth (specifically troubled youth) that he would revisit throughout his oeuvre- most notably in rebel without a cause­– there are countless comparisons between these two films including these two young lovers playing house and trying to be happy normally just like the Natalie wood and james dean character (with sal mineo as their faux-child)
  • Very busy mise-en-scene- repeatedly shows these characters trapped and behind bars- it’s really well done
  • All 4 leads are superb- granger, cathy o’donnell, howard da silva, an djay flippen all do their best work here
  • The young couple on the run of course makes you think of many films in cinema history from recent American honey to bonnie and clyde
  • The first shot is a helicopter shot- that’s how you announce yourself as an auteur- it had to blow people’s mind in 1948 when they saw the shot. Ray would go back to that same shot at least 3 times- great film form here
  • Devastating ending with o’donnell- back of her head walking away reading his letter
  • Top 5-8ish of the year quality film
  • Must-See