'A dirty Irish mick'

For 1947 leaning in to the camera and saying "Mick" was probably shocking stuff. And, the scene does become too preachy. But, the movie does have a lot of good stuff going for it otherwise.

I couldn't disagree more. Without that speech this movie would have only been half what it was. That speech was the thread that tied the various types of hatred together and showed its universality. If that speech doesn't move you then I think you probably suffer from selective indignation.

No, that was the best part of the scene. I think the idea that a statement that was powerful at the time a movie somehow becomes laughable over the years is ridiculous. Either it's powerful or it's ridiculous. Make up your mind.

"How's that for Japanese efficiency?"

Not sure about the Mick stuff, but the entire scene stopped the movie dead on its tracks for what seemed an eternity with the guy just preaching on and on about how bad bigotry is in the most on-the-nose manner imaginable. Nothing really wrong with Robert Young´s delivery - he´s very good throughout as are Mithcum and Ryan - but the entire bloody lesson´s just too f-cking much. It´s pretty much the only notable flaw in the entire picture, but unfortunately a rather sizable one that keeps Crossfire from being a masterpiece despite the fine acting, crisp dialogue, well written story and outstanding cinematography. It´s almost funny how Dmytryk, on one of the extras, blabbered about finding "subtle ways" to make his points back in the day in his films. I rate the whole thing 7,5/10.



"facts are stupid things" - Ronald Reagan