Journey Into Light - Leads into Interesting Territory 7-1-19 (REV final)
This little independent movie belies its merge budget - if movie makers can almost convince you they had more funds available than they actually did, then this movie is a case in point - proving what can be achieved when everyone involved had a belief in their product and tirelessly worked for the good of a common outcome. Who is this fine writer, Anson Bond? (also co-producer) what gave him the insights to create such a compelling screen story - displaying a talent for better than average dialog and situations. He and producer Joseph Bernhard also managed to call together a fine professional cast - all who work hard at lifting this curious story well above its station. Director Stuart Heisler ('The Glass Key' '42) along with talented director of photography Elwood Bredell ("The Killers '46) develop a final look that makes for quite impressive viewing.
The always interesting stone-faced Sterling Hayden adds power to his painfully traumatised ex Minister's character - suddenly finding himself guilt ridden and vehemently challenging God for his wife's death. Spiralling downhill fast & eventually, tormentedly languishing on skid row - quite powerful stuff.
Lovely and still quite new to America, Viveca Lindfors adds a touch of style to her supportive but physically restricted sympathiser's role. Always professional Thomas Mitchell sparks things up with his down-and-out but protective con-man antics. Other above-average support players complete the necessary professional back up. This is the kind of impressive effort that should be held up as an example of how to successfully bring in a low cost picture - rather than certain other examples we often see being touted by critics and Hollywood types.
If anything possibly holds this one back it might be the somewhat sudden ending - showing us the budget simply didn't allow for achieving any further development of characters or situations (of course the fact that the HOUAA were hounding Mr Hayden all the way through making the picture would have added heavily to this) It's a minor classic waiting to be discovered by all lovers of off-beat cinema gems. Looks even better the second time around. Would be good to see a quality DVD made available.
