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John Doe's - 17 favourite Robert Mitchum Films
John Doe's 17 favourite Robert Mitchum films
Carrying on from Part 1 which discussed this tough guy actors early career here now are JD's favourite Films featuring the laconic legend.
Poster for Out of the Past
Out of the Past (1947)
Silent pioneer Director Jacques Tourneur defined Noir in the same way he guided Horror with the original Cat People. Cigarette dangling out of a curled lip, in a full length trench coat shadowed distinctly on a wall, the laid back charisma seared into the public consciousness and made Robert Mitchum a star.
Here is a brilliant parody of Out of the Past done in 1987 and starring Robert Mitchum and Jane Greer. Its called “Out of Gas”.
Night of the Hunter (1955)
Surreal and wicked Robert Mithcum is unforgettable as the psychopathic preacher who kills single woman and preys on children. Read John Doe’s full review by clicking HERE
Here’s the original Night of the Hunter Trailer
Cape Fear (1962)
Teaming up with an equally daunting leading man, Mitchum plays the calculating, malice filled brute criminal who stalks Gregory Peck, the lawyer who put him away. Read John Doe’s review HERE
Watch the trailer for Cape Fear
The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973)
Peter Yates the Director of Bullitt handles this story of a two bit crim on his last legs looking to get out any way he can. Mitchum is of course the hood and his best friend is barman Peter Boyle.
A cracking Friends of Eddie Coyle trailer
Sydney Pollack The Yakuza (1974)
East meets West in this thoughtful character study as Mitchum seeks honour and retribution for a betrayal of trust. Returning to Japan after having an affair with a local girl during the war, now he seeks to understand the feudal culture he left behind.
Here is a pivotal scene from The Yakuza
Fred Zinneman The Sundowners (1960)
Shot down under with an authentic twanged Aussie accent opposite Deborah Kerr. The Sundowners is the story of an outback family struggling as sheep drovers and shearers. Peter Ustinov also stars in this beautiful film that captures our culture.
A rare behind the scenes featurette for the Sundowners, shot on location in Australia. Hosted by Author John Clarey.
Heaven Knows Mr Allison (1957)
John Huston (Big Sleep, Ashphalt Jungle) cast him in this opposites attract drama where he plays marooned US marine Corporal Allison. Washed up onto an island in the south pacific, he soon clashes with missionary Sister Angela (Deborah Kerr) and slowly a mutual respect develops between a soldier and a nun.
Mitchum and Deborah Kerr in Heaven Knows Mr Allison
The List of Adrian Messenger (1963)
John Huston (Prizzi's Honour, Treasure of Sierra Madre) Directs this gimmick that works mystery who-dun-it with most of the overwhelming star power appearing in disguise under layers of makeup. The cast includes George C Scott, Kirk Douglas, Frank Sinatra and Burt Lancaster
Poster for List of Adrian Messenger
Don Siegel The Big Steal (1949)
Cult classic chase thriller that sees Bob as an innocent man sentenced for a crime he didn’t commit. Escaping custody he begins in hot pursuit of the real crim who has fled down south of the border. Directed by the ever reliable Don Siegel (Dirty Harry, Invasion of the Body Snatchers) this is fast moving pop corn entertainment that still excites with punchy dialogue and vintage style.
The Big Steal
The Longest Day (1962)
Mitchum in combat for the Longest Day
Arthur Ripley Thunder Road (1958)
Poster for Thunder Road
Nicolas Ray The Lusty Men (1952)
Poster for The Lusty Men
Howard Hawkes El Dorado (1966)
Robert Mitchum with the Duke on set for El Dorado
David Lean’s Ryan’s Daughter (1970)
Dick Richard’s Farewell, My Lovely (1975)
Sheldon Reynold’s Foreign Intrigue (1956)
Buzz Kulik Villa Rides (1968)
Dick Powell The Hunters (1958)
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Film & TV on DVD
Wow, your missing out!
Mitchum ranks right alongside Steve McQueen, Sterling Hayden, Robert Ryan and Lee Marvin as one of my favourite stars of all time.
I assumed just about everyone has seen the original Cape Fear, which is a great place to start if you have never seen what the legendary tough guy can do.
His strong masculine presence is almost daunting and when he sinks his teeth into a character few can match him for sheer presence and charisma.
I would recommend Night of The Hunter too and Out of the Past is possibly the greatest noir films ever made.
The Friends of Eddie Coyle and The Yakuza are excellent 70's actioners that focus on character and I think you will dig them too.
Hope you get a chance to see some of his work soon.
Flick Wit
Michaelie
Film & TV on DVD
As far as remakes go Scorsese's Cape Fear is pretty good, but yes I do think the original is more taut and suspenseful. Mitchum just carries so much natural menace that he chills me in a way De Niro just doesn't equal.
You really should check out The Sundowners it's better than most Aussie films that try to capture the essence of our national identity. Deborah Kerr and Mitchum are one of my favourite screen couples of all time up their with Bogie and Bacall. The chemistry in Heaven Knows Mr Allison seeps from every frame.
Celebrity Obsession
Thanks for the tips!
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
L.A.M.P.
"Cape Fear" --saw this as a kid and Mitchum just scared the hell out of me. To give Robert DeNiro credit, he played Mitchum's character in the remake in a completely different (and also pretty disturbing) way instead of competing with Mitchum's original portrayal.
"The Longest Day"--are you guys serious? You've never seen this? It's a classic!
JD, top-notch reviewing as always!
Film & TV on DVD
Thanks for the tips!
Hi KylieW,
Sorry for the delay in replying, things have been nut bar.
Could I recommend Night of the Hunter, it has such a unique flavour and tone that I think you might enjoy.
Film & TV on DVD
"Cape Fear" --saw this as a kid and Mitchum just scared the hell out of me. To give Robert DeNiro credit, he played Mitchum's character in the remake in a completely different (and also pretty disturbing) way instead of competing with Mitchum's original portrayal.
"The Longest Day"--are you guys serious? You've never seen this? It's a classic!
JD, top-notch reviewing as always!
Heaven Knows Mr Allison is such a charming film without being sentimental and cliched. Perfect Yule tide fare.
Totally agree that credit is due in Cape Fear to Deniro for not mimicking Mitchum and giving and interesting if not OTT performance.
Longest Day is one I grew up with too D, so many stars, such a long running time, a classic war delight though admittedly flawed.
Always a pleasure.
Hi D,
Just wondering if anyone can help with the name of an old Robert Mitchum movie. I thought it was called a killing in the family, but im not sure. The movie is about 3 boys who help their father escape from prison and eentually the father turns on them. I think one of the other actors was James Spade as well. I really want to get my hands on this movie.
(Howard Hawks)
BTW : "The Story Of G.I. Joe" put Mitchum on the map. Oscar Nomination. (James Dunn won it.)
Film & TV on DVD
The movie you are thinking of was teh made for TV movie of the week 'A Killer In The Family" made in 1983 and starring James Spader and Eric Stoltz.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085791/
It's actually one I haven't seen before, so thanks for giving me a title to trackdown.
Film & TV on DVD
Thank You for spotting The Big Sleep mix up with The Maltese Falcon.
Always great meeting another Mitchum fan.
I have seen GI Joe and know its history (not a bad breakout performance) but for me Mitchum really hit his stride with Out of the Past
Thanks for the visit John, hope to see you drop by again.