Among Robert Mitchum's 133 films, Out of the Past (1947) is one of his best. The film, added to the National Registry of the Library of Congress in 1991 as a National Treasure, has all the elements that make up a good film noir - light-key lighting, an ominous philosophy and mysterious characters. Mitchum plays a mysterious man who moves to a new city and trouble every where he turns. Out of the Past also stars Kirk Douglas, Virginia Huston, Jane Greer, Rhonda Fleming and Dickie Moore.

Mitchum plays Jeff Bailey, a former private detective who made some bad decisions before moving to a small town to start a new life. The movie unravels gradually, but every minute of watching Mitchum on film in his early career is pleasurable. Jeff's desire to become a good citizen by pumping gas and staying out of trouble comes across in the gentle manner in which Mitchum's Jeff mingles with the locals, especially a mute kid (Dickie Moore).

Jeff especially has an eye on Ann Miller (Virginia Huston). But before the romance gets off the ground, Jeff is summoned by mobster Whit Sterling (Kirk Douglas) to finish some business he hired Jeff for when he was still a private eye. Whit wants Jeff to track down Kathie (Jane Greer), Whit's girl friend who shot him and stole $40,000 of his money.

Jeff accepts, partly because he too, had a thing for Kathie. Mitchum's suave personality and romantic aptitude is evident as he balances his attraction for two women. Yet with a flick of a lighter - in his incessant chain smoking - he becomes a hardened private eye with no hesitation about pulling a trigger.

The film is one big con, and figuring out who is coning who is half of the enjoyment of watching it. The rest of the delight is in watching the great performances of Mitchum and Douglas, who handles the crime boss role with smooth aplomb.

Special Features

• A commentary by film noir historian James Ursini

Director: Jacques Tourneur

Writer: Daniel Mainwaring - screenplay and novel;

Cast: Robert Mitchum, Kirk Douglas, Virginia Huston, Jane Greer, Rhonda Fleming, Dickie Moore

Rating: Not Rated (suggested for mature audiences)

Classic Movie Guide Rating: 4 stars out of 5

DVD Release Date: July 6, 2004

Run Time: 97 minutes

Studio: Warner Home Video

Format: Black & White - full screen

Photo Credits: RKO Studios