We're talking an all time classic Film Noir today, 1947's Out of the Past, while sipping Hopsmith Imperial IPA, from Potosi Brewing Co. This brewery, built in the mid 1800s was a derelict ruin until 2008, when it was rebuilt and saved. So, it's from out of the past.
This big beer is easy to get over your skis on, it's so drinkable. If you're anywhere near Southwest Wisconsin, make a point to visit this brewery, it's a great visit.
RKO means B-Movie. Nicholas Musuraca pops up again as director of photography. He's credited with creating the Film Noir look.
Robert Mitchum as Jeff, Jane Greer as Kathie and Kirk Douglas as Whit star in this film that depressed Jayson, but he really liked it. The fatalistic story bummed him out.
We have a real man crush on Robert Michum.
The open is not typical Noir, but Joe sure is, in his black coat and hat. The dialogue from the start is that great Film Noir patter, where everyone has a great line and comeback for any situation.
Jeff and his squeeze Ann are having a real nice picnic until Joe interrupts, and Jeff's past catches up to him. Clothing does a lot here: City folk wear trench coats and fedoras, country folk where short jackets and different hats.
Why do Film Noir detectives always have sleazy partners? Robert Mitchum's coolness is examined again.
Jeff becomes ensnared with Kathie, the woman Whit sent him to find and return. This can only lead to doom. Their idyllic life in Mexico, planning to run away, is ruined by the appearance of Whit and Joe. Kirk Douglas is remarkable as Whit, big, menacing smile, like a crocodile.
Then, their idyllic life is ruined by Jeff's former partner, Jack. Kathie goes full femme fatale, and we see what Jeff has gotten himself into. And he finds out she's been lying all along.
Time to take a moment to enjoy some Hopsmith Imperial IPA and talk about the can. Jayson's feeling the 9.1% creeping up on him. I hope Jayson can make the pilgrimage there with me someday.
Jeff's meeting with Whit is curious, and made moreso when Kathie shows up. The scheme gets very complicated.
Of course, Robert Mitchum gets all Robert Mitchum and turns the tables. Things still aren't going well for him.
Jim, small town fella pining for Ann, confronts her about this no good Jeff.
Kathie, in classic femme fatale fashion, sets her sights on Whit's empire. She can get any man to do anything.
We get one of the saddest endings in Noir history, courtesy of Kathie, one of the nastiest femme fatales ever.
Jim offers his stability to Ann, who takes him up on it. The final shot is the kid walking toward a sad landscape, the total opposite of the opening. This film really made Jayson depressed, which in turn made me depressed.
We both love the film, and the beer, and would recommend both. I think any film fan should have this high on their list. Every frame of this one is an 11. The Hopsmith really got to Jayson, but he'll have more when I bring it back from my next visit.
Intro music for this episode is a mix of (1) Turn on The Funk (Story Blocks Audio subscription), (2) sample 1961’s The Phantom Planet [in the public domain], and (3) sample 1968’s Voyage to the Planet of Prehistoric Women [in the public domain].
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