If you know anythingaboutRobert Mitchum’s vast filmography, then you probably know that the Old Hollywood star had a penchant for headlining film noir crime capers as well as Westerns. While Mitchum found himself working alongside many of the greats over the years, includingJohn WayneinEl DoradoandGregory PeckinCape Fear(among others), there’s one motion picture that masterfully blended the actor’s two most notable genres. If the 1948 flickBlood on the Mooncomes to mind, then you’re on the right track. This psychological Western was inspired by Mitchum’s work in the film noir genre, and it’s these influences that make it a fine thread worth following.
‘Blood on the Moon’ Combines Western Thrills With a Film Noir Style
In step with many of his antihero roles,Robert Mitchum plays Jim Garry this time around, a drifter called to town by his old friend Tate Riling(Robert Preston), a man who has made a deal with a local Indian agent named Jake Pindalest (Frank Faylen). Together, Riling and Pindalest plan to force the local homesteaders, namely John Lufton (Tom Tully), to sell them their cattle at severely discounted prices, making the herds otherwise worthless by rejecting them from the Indian Territory. It’s quite elaborate, and Riling’s secret affair with one of Lufton’s daughters gives him quite the advantage. But after a young man dies in Riling’s attempts to rustle the cattle from under Lufton’s nose, Jim realizes that he is on the wrong side of the conflict. It’s then that everything begins to change.Blood on the Moonis unequivocally a Western. To boil this one down to its basics, the film pits the wealthy elite against the poor homesteaders inan American tale as old as the 19th century. Although there is some mystery and intrigue to the way it all plays out, much of this film comes as expected to a 21st century audience.
But wherethisRobert Wise-directed featurereally excels is in its purposeful use of mood lighting, with frames that highlight the deep shadows usually found in film noirs, and its complexity of character. Of course, there is no urban detective uncovering an organized crime ring in a big city, but rather a cowboy drifter who wrestles with his role in doing what’s right — and as he does so, he falls madly in love. On the surface,Blood on the Moondoesn’t sound like anything more than your usual blend of Western, butthe striking noir-inspired visuals and themes of conflicted characters and betrayals feel quite in step with Mitchum’s other primary genre. Be it the pastoral landscapes outside or the interior scenes, the film is lit in a way that makes the viewer uneasy and contained. It’s not until the final shot that pulls from a medium to a wide that we begin to feel more welcome into Jim Garry’s world.
In some ways,Blood on the MoonresemblesJames Stewart’sThe Naked Spur, asboth pictures fall under the “Western noir” designation, cited for their “psychological” overtones and deep commitment to exploring character motivations and complications. In fact, the generally pessimistic worldview of young Amy Lufton (Barbara Bel Geddes) — Mitchum’s main squeeze here — is one that softens and changes throughout the narrative, especially as Jim reveals his true interest and intention. The way both Jim and Amy struggle with their own perceptions of the world around them — and what their respective cynical outlooks on the conflict pressure them to believe about themselves and others — is something thatBlood on the Moonchallenges them to overcome. As they learn to do so, their hearts become more open, and they are able to not just fight for honor and livelihood, but for love as well.
Robert Mitchim Plays the Conflicted Hero in a Departure From His Usual Roles
There is a reason thatRoger Ebertnamed Mitchum his absolute favorite star, and that is on full display here inBlood on the Moon. The actor’s famous weary-eyed look lends well to the mental and emotional exhaustion of Jim Garry, who quickly becomes tired of the cattle war he’s found himself in. Nevertheless, the cowboy continues to place himself in the middle of the action, and even after leaving the battle between Riling and the Luftons behind, he returns for the sake of love and duty.Mitchum excels in these sorts of roles,proving himself far ahead of his time as an actor.Jim Garry may feel like the usual Western protagonist,but there’s a depth to his character that Mitchum crafts with visual cues and an earnest step that makes him easy to trust on the screen. Even Amy’s hardened exterior eventually folds to his deep-set eyes, and by the end of the picture they’re practically engaged.
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Mitchum’s role was an intentional throwback to the classic era of Westerns.
As noted inThe New York Timesreviewof the picture, “Robert Mitchum carries the burden of the film and his acting is superior all the way.” This is right on the money, of course, asMitchum provides the necessary edge for this piece of Western entertainment to be more than justyour standard Hopalong Cassidyor John Wayne tale(though he certainly played parts in those sorts of pictures too). Going with an actor so well versed in the intricacies of film noir pictures and morally complicated individuals was the way to go here. This is not to say that the rest of the cast is no good. Despite this being her last production with RKO Pictures, Barbara Bel Geddes is especially winsome here, and her chemistry with Mitchum is undeniable. Likewise,Walter Brennan’s workas Kris Barden is exquisite, as the character actor is offered a more meaty script to work with than perhaps he was accustomed to.
‘Blood on the Moon’ Is an Excellent Western Lost to Time
These days,Blood on the Moonisn’t exactlyas popular asStagecoach,The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance,orThe Searchers, but it’s a piece of Western yarn well worth unraveling. Called “a terse, tightly-drawn western drama” byVarietyat the time, this picture (based on theLuke ShortnovelGunman’s Chance) offers plenty of action, suspense, and a climax you won’t forget. If you were to pick one lesser-known flick from Robert Mitchum’s filmography thatperfectly encapsulates his abilities as an actor, be sure to revisit (or enjoy for the first time)Blood on the Moon, which will delight you with its range of characters and detailed plot. And don’t worry, there’s enough action to go around as well.
Blood On The Moon
