Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Stanley Kramer- The Conscience of Hollywood in the Dark Ages

Many of the films of Stanley Kramer have been personal favorites of mine for years. His work as a producer and director made him responsible for some of the most reflective movies of the "Red Scare" era, race relations, nuclear arms and the place of religion in education.

"High Noon" was actually directed by Fred Zinnemann in 1952 and is considered by some as an allegory to the House UnAmerican Activities Commision that was running rough-shod through the entertainment industry, and written in part and co produced by Carl Foreman who was blacklisted and moved to the UK. When it comes to greatest westerns of all time not many lovers of the genre will not add it as one of the top 10.

"The Defiant Ones" directed by Kramer in 1958 starred Tony Curtis and Sidney Poitier as prisoners chained together that get their chance to break out when the truck transporting them crashes. It is clear at the very beginning that Curtis's character has racist views that are going to be addressed. Unfortunately, if they intend to get anywhere they must learn to work together for the benefit of both. Strong performance by both stars make this a great movie well deserving of a place in "The Book".


Other Kramer films that are worth finding are "Inherit The Wind" (which is my favorite of ALL his films) based on the events of the Scopes Trial, "On The Beach" from book by Nevil Shute exploring the effects of global nuclear war even on those that are not active participants in the exchange. And Edward Dmytryk"The Caine Mutiny" with terrific performances by Humphery Bogart, Fred MacMurray, Van Johnson and Jose Ferrer

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