Act of Violence

The postwar American Dream often proves a bitter nightmare for returning servicemen in film noir’s pessimistic universe. Not so for Act of Violence’s Frank Enley, well played by Van Heflin. A respected war hero, successful contractor and pillar of the community who’s married to beautiful, devoted Edith (a young Janet Leigh), Enley appears to have it all — at least, until disabled, seemingly deranged war vet Joe Parkson (Robert Ryan) shows up on the sunny suburban scene, packing a pistol and harbouring a murderous grudge. In the murky, mixed-up morality that pervades noir, of course, things are seldom what they may seem. Act of Violence is a taut, gripping noir thriller ably directed by Hollywood stalwart Fred Zinnemann (High Noon, A Man for All Seasons, From Here to Eternity) and showcasing fine atmospheric visuals by veteran cinematographer (and three-time Oscar winner) Robert Surtees. “Emblematic film noir . . . A dark masterpiece . . . Superb performances from the whole cast, including a jaw-droppingly gorgeous 20-year-old Janet Leigh as Heflin’s endearingly tenacious spouse and Mary Astor [The Maltese Falcon, Desert Fury] as a street-wise hooker” (American Cinematheque). B&W, 35mm. 82 mins.