Bad Day at Black Rock Reviews

"Bad Day at Black Rock" is a riveting suspense thriller with several memorable performances from a first rate cast. Spencer Tracy (in one of his best roles) excels as John J. MacReedy who is in Black Rock to take a medal to the father of one of his wartime colleagues now that the war is over. He encounters unexpected resentment and hostility from some of the residents, in particular from Robert Ryan, Ernest Borgnine and Lee Marvin who make a trio of formidable villains. When threats and intimidation have no effect on Tracy (who doggedly continues his investigations) the three men resort to violence. Also in the impressive cast are Anne Francis (I mentioned this film to her some years back when I met her in Hollywood), Walter Brennan, Dean Jagger, John Ericson and Russell Collins. With the help of Brennan and Francis and after surmounting many obstacles Tracy eventually gets the upper hand bringing the film to its exciting climax. A brilliant and satisfying film expertly directed by John Sturges who later went on to direct other classics including "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral", "The Magnificent Seven" and "The Great Escape". Sturges was fortunate in having such a remarkably talented cast - Borgnine and Marvin in particular were excellent as Robert Ryan's menacing henchmen and Spencer Tracy was at his peak in one of his most powerful and demanding roles ever. He was in fact nominated as Best Actor for his performance in this film but was beaten by Ernest Borgnine for "Marty".
Favourite lines:
Spencer Tracy (to train conductor): "Oh, I'll only be here for 24 hours". Train conductor: "In a place like this that could be a lifetime!".
Russell Collins (to Spencer Tracy): "Important? It's the first time the streamliner has stopped here in four years".
Spencer Tracy (to Ernest Borgnine): "You're not only wrong - you're wrong at the top of your voice!".
John Ericson (to Spencer Tracy): "If you're in such a hurry you should never have got off here". Tracy: "I'm inclined to agree with you".