Build My Gallows High

Jacques Tourneur (1947)

96min

PG Certificate

Review

Our Score

by Peter Freedman

Also known as Out of the Past, this classic 1940s film noir contains a memorably languid performance by Robert Mitchum as the ultra-hard-boiled former private eye who falls for the woman (Jane Greer) he's been hired to track by gangster Kirk Douglas. Unfairly underrated for many years, this is in fact a stylish, atmospheric, highly watchable and strongly recommended movie from director Jacques Tourneur, who also made horror classics I Walked with a Zombie, Cat People and Night of the Demon. The film's scriptwriter, Daniel Mainwaring (writing here under the name Geoffrey Homes), also penned the sci-fi gem Invasion of the Body Snatchers. It was remade in 1984 as the inferior Against All Odds (with Jeff Bridges and Rachel Ward).

Summary

A former private eye working in a petrol station receives a message from a gambler demanding a meeting. As he heads to the encounter, he relates the tale of how he was once hired to find the gambler's runaway girlfriend, and how that case had left the client holding a deadly grudge. Film noir, starring Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer, Kirk Douglas and Rhonda Fleming.

Cast & Crew

Jeff Bailey / Jeff Markham Robert Mitchum

Kathie Moffat Jane Greer

Whit Sterling Kirk Douglas

Meta Carson Rhonda Fleming

Jim Richard Webb

Jack Fisher Steve Brodie

Ann Miller Virginia Huston

Joe Stefanos Paul Valentine

The Kid Dickie Moore

Leonard Eels Ken Niles

Director Jacques Tourneur

Other Information

Language: EnglishBlack and whiteTheatrical distributor: R.K.O. Radio Pictures LtdAvailable on: video

Drama

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Jacques Tourneur (1947)

Review

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