In a Lonely Place (1950)

Release date: 1950-01-01
Country: USA
Language: English
Director: Nicholas Ray
Production Co: Columbia Pictures, Santana Pictures Corporation
Genre: Thriller, Romance, Drama, Mystery
Rating: 8.0/10
Length: 1h 34min

Storyline

Screenwriter Dixon Steele, faced with the odious task of scripting a trashy bestseller, has hat-check girl Mildred Atkinson tell him the story in her own words. Later that night, Mildred is murdered and Steele is a prime suspect; his record of belligerence when angry and his macabre sense of humor tell against him. Fortunately, lovely neighbor Laurel Gray gives him an alibi. Laurel proves to be just what Steele needed, and their friendship ripens into love. Will suspicion, doubt, and Steele's inner demons come between them?

Plot Keywords

screenwriter, murder, temper, police investigation, suspense, los angeles california, marriage proposal, anger, reckless driving, star crossed lovers, alcoholic, alibi, crying, cynicism, dead body, death of husband, detective, dinner, dream, courtyard

Short Review

Humphrey Bogart's world-weariness and romanticism take on something brutal and misogynist in this 1950 noir masterpiece directed by Nicholas Ray - and it's a marvellous performance by Gloria Grahame.