MovieChat Forums > On Dangerous Ground (1952) Discussion > Robert Ryan In A Lonely Place

Robert Ryan In A Lonely Place

posted 14 years ago by joeparkson
5 replies | jump to latest

Just saw this movie on TCM again. I loved that Ryan and Lupino persuaded Director Ray to change the ending to a happy one. It would have been tragic to have Jim Wilson return to the city garbage that was eating him up alive.

Robert Ryan was so good as the edgy cop who periodically snaps and beats the crap out of criminals that I thought he'd have made an excellent Dix Steele in 'In A Lonely Place', which was also directed by Nicholas Ray. Ryan is more physically imposing that Bogart was and more terrifying when he does snap.

It also would have united Ryan once again with Gloria Grahame, with whom he showed great chemistry in "Odds Against Tomorrow".

Anyone else think he should have played Dix in "In A Lonely Place"?

Absurdity: A Statement or belief inconsistent with my opinion.

[–] thehair100 14 years ago

Certainly Ryan could have played Dix Steele well, but not nearly as good as Bogart. Ryan could never be as creepy as Bogie was. Bogart could have also played Jim Wilson in "On Dangerous Ground," but not nearly as well as Ryan.

[–] helptext 13 years ago

Ryan could have embodied the tormented side of Dix Steele brillianty but he didn't quite have that romantic tinge Bogart mastered in "In a lonely place". On the other side, Ryan could channel the violence better in some of his films, one of them "On Dangerous Ground".

[–] MsELLERYqueen2 10 years ago

I think that Robert Ryan was perfect in On Dangerous Ground, while Bogey was perfect in In a Lonely Place. But yes, I can see Robert Ryan playing both parts....

~~
JimHutton (1934-79) & ElleryQueen

[–] PussyCrusher_Principal 9 years ago

Just saw this movie on TCM again. I loved that Ryan and Lupino persuaded Director Ray to change the ending

According to Eddie Mueller on TCM's showing of ODG as a part of TCM's Summer Of Darkness Noir-fest, Ray refused to take part in the re-constituted ending, Lupino and Ryan basically blocked and shot the ending themselves. Thought that was an interesting tidbit. I'm guessing that's why Lupino is given a (partial) directing credit in some places for ODG?

Anyway, I love the film including the "tacked on" ending. I don't usually respond to bleak films like this, wishing for a fairy-tale ending for good people, as that's not usually how life works out, but I found myself pulling for these two lonely hearts to get together.

Takes two to tumble it takes two to tango
Speak up don't mumble when you're in the combo

[–] 9 years ago

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