Review of Cry Vengeance (1954) by Hm F — 02 Jun 2012

Noir in the woods! Location work in Ketchikan, Alaska enhance this familiar tale of revenge with a solid lead from actor/director Mark Stevens as the disfigured Vic Barron. The story features many noir standards, but the switch in location to far-flung Alaska lends a distinguishable look that sets it apart from other films.

Instead of the typical downtown city streets, we see distinctive locales that although outdoors and in daylight, cast their own particular spell. A conversation under a wooden bridge with debris, a boat ride out to an ancient holy place, and a foot chase across a dam; all are highlights of the location work showcased in this film.

The performances are also quite engaging. Most noteworthy are Stevens (also the director of the film) and Skip Homeier as the blond haired killer looking to ruin the lives of a number of people in the far off Alaskan town.