Out of the Past

Out of the Past is so perfect a film noir that it is considered practically a textbook example of the genre. In his first starring role (it had previously been offered to John Garfield and Dick Powell), Robert Mitchum plays Jeff Bailey, the friendly but secretive proprietor of a mountain-village gas station. As Jeff's worshipful deaf-mute attendant (Dick Moore) looks on in curious fascination, an unsavory character named Joe (Paul Valentine) pulls up to the station, obviously looking for the owner. Jeff is all too aware of Joe's identity; he's been dreading this moment for quite some time, knowing full well that it will mean the end of his semi-idyllic existence, not to mention his engagement to local girl Ann (Virginia Huston). In a lengthy flashback, the audience is apprised of the reasons behind Jeff's discomfort - and thus begins a tale of treachery, betrayal and intrigue that extends into the present day and turns Jeff's life upside down. Out of the Past was remade in 1984 as Against All Odds, with Jane Greer cast as the mother of her original character.

The sole extra is the commentary by James Ursini originally recorded for Warner's 2004 DVD release of Out of the Past. An expert on film noir and author of such works as The Noir Style and LA Noir, Ursini provides both an introduction to the genre and to the essential elements of Tourneur's film. Longtime fans probably won't learn anything they didn't already know, but newcomers should find Ursini's commentary a welcome aid to situating Out of the Past in both film history and the careers of its stars.



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