Desert Fury

It's a good cast, and the Technicolor West is quite nice. But the story relies on pretty well-worn tropes (except, perhaps, for the really awkward mother-daughter relationship). And when I want to praise the wild car photography, there's quite a bit that's clearly shot on studio. It's fun to watch, but I wouldn't call it a classic.

The plot is undercooked, but everything else is so great. From the excellent support from Mary Astor, the color, the cars, the handsome Burt Lancaster, and Lizabeth Scott lighting up the screen. There was so much that made Desert Fury (1947) a treat to watch. Too bad the story wasn't a little bit deeper and rooted in more suspense. But this was one where I felt all the little things made-up for the big thing lacking. I'll still give it a thumbs-up.

Top-notch acting with a below-average script makes this a below-average movie.

Cardboard thriller almost redeemed by a memorable ending and a great supporting performance by Astor.

Well, that was pretty openly gay (Johnny: "Why is it I never wind up with the women?"...lol). Astor is great, and Scott is the usual fun (with her sultry purr of a voice). Lots of furious thick dialogue--right up there with The Narrow Margin. Btw this movie must set some sort of record for lame day-for-nights (why did they never learn not to show the sky when they were doing that?).