This movie is a remake of the 1939 movie titled "Blind Alley" starring Ralph Bellamy, Chester Morris and Ann Dvorak. The script is almost exact. In my opinion the acting in this version (The Dark Past) by William Holden and Lee J. Cobb adds to this somewhat dull plot.
shareI liked Blind Alley more. I felt it had more character development of all the characters and a not so nicely rapped up Hollywood ending.
shareYet curiously - and symptomatically - The Dark Past is listed as ´film noir´ while Blind Alley isn´t. Wonder if anyone that´s seen both films, could testify whether there´s anything about the nature of the way they´re shot, that would justify that.
But yes, Cobb and Holden are indeed the only good thing about this ridiculous, preachy nonsense that also manages to be dull as sh-t. Mate proved he´s a capable director with the 1950 noir D.O.A., but I´m sure nobody could have possibly saved this particular sorry-ass script.
"facts are stupid things" - Ronald Reagan
I haven't seen Blind Alley but I enjoyed this movie. I didn't think the plot was dull or preachy; as some others have said. It provided one point of view. Being a psychiatrist, Dr. Collins was naturally going to have certain views on crime and why criminals behaved the way they do. I personally think there's something a little off about all criminals most of it probably started early in their lives. I'd love to think they can be 'cured' in one intense session but I doubt it.
Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]
That's because they are based on the same thing. James Warwick wrote a play called "Blind Alley" that was on Broadway in the 30s, and that was the basis of the movie "Blind Alley". And in the credits of "The Dark Past" it says it was based on the play as well. You're right, they're basically identical.
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