Introduction The Hurricane
"The Hurricane" is a biographical drama film released in 1937, directed by John Ford and starring Dorothy Lamour and Don Ameche. The film is based on the true story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a professional boxer who was wrongly convicted of murder in New Jersey in the early 1960s. Carter's case drew widespread attention due to its perceived racial bias and the brutal nature of the crime itself. In August 1966, three white men - John Artis, Ernest Taylor, and Willie Richardson - entered Carter's bar in Paterson, New Jersey, where they shot and killed four people, including a police officer. Despite having an alibi for the time of the murders, Carter was arrested, tried, and convicted of the crimes due to dubious eyewitness testimony. The case against Carter was bolstered by the prosecution's assertion that he had a motive for the crime: he was reportedly in debt to the men who committed the murder. However, many questioned the reliability of the eyewitnesses and pointed out numerous inconsistencies in their accounts. Despite his protests of innocence, Carter was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The case became a rallying cry for those fighting against racial injustice and police misconduct, with many prominent figures - including Muhammad Ali - speaking out on Carter's behalf. In 1985, a book about the case titled "Lay Down Lawyer" was published by Carter himself, detailing his story and the fight he faced to clear his name. In 1999, Carter's case was reopened due to new evidence, and he was finally exonerated of all charges. He spent nearly 20 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, but after his release from prison, he continued to advocate for criminal justice reform and the rights of those wrongly convicted. This powerful true story forms the basis of "The Hurricane", which explores themes of racial bias, police misconduct, and the struggle for justice. The film was critically acclaimed upon its initial release in 1937, with many praising Ford's direction and the performances of the cast. Today, it remains a classic of American cinema, serving as both a testament to the resilience of those wrongly accused and a call to action for those fighting against systemic injustice.
Plot and Themes The Hurricane
'The Hurricane' is a 1937 American drama film directed by John Ford. The movie tells the story of a African-American boxer named Robert 'Bobo' Haynes, who becomes embroiled in a corrupt boxing world. Plot: Bobo Haynes (Dorothy Lamour) is a talented young boxer from New Orleans who dreams of becoming a champion. However, he is constantly being held back by his manager, Nick (Walter Huston), who takes advantage of Bobo's naivety and lack of knowledge about the corrupt boxing world. Despite this, Bobo continues to train hard and eventually gets a chance to fight for the championship against the current heavyweight champion, Max Mason. However, just as Bobo is on the verge of winning, he realizes that his manager has been secretly taking bribes from the opposing team to ensure his loss. Themes: 1. Corruption: The movie highlights the corrupt nature of the boxing world, where promoters and managers use underhanded tactics to manipulate the outcome of fights for their own financial gain. 2. Exploitation: Bobo's story serves as a commentary on the exploitation of African-Americans in the sports industry during the 1930s. Despite his talent and dedication, he is constantly being taken advantage of by those who claim to have his best interests at heart. 3. Class struggle: The movie also touches on class struggle, with Bobo representing the working-class and Nick embodying the wealthy elite. The contrast between their lifestyles serves as a reminder of the social and economic inequalities that existed during this time period. 4. Redemption: Through Bobo's journey, 'The Hurricane' ultimately becomes a story about redemption, as he learns to stand up for himself against those who seek to take advantage of him.
Performance and Direction The Hurricane
"The Hurricane" (1937) is a classic film directed by John Ford, starring Dorothy Lamour, Fred MacMurray, and Sydney Greenstreet. Here's an evaluation of the performances and direction: **Actors:** 1. **Dorothy Lamour**: She plays the role of Maureen, a seductive nightclub singer. Her performance is stunning; she exudes sensuality, charm, and talent. Her singing voice is impressive, and her dancing skills are mesmerizing. 2. **Fred MacMurray**: He plays the lead role of Jim Nolan, a former prizefighter turned journalist. His acting is wooden at times, but he does have some strong moments, particularly in his confrontations with Greenstreet's character. 3. **Sydney Greenstreet**: He plays the corrupt lawyer, John Farnsworth. His performance is excellent; he brings menace and wit to the role, making him a compelling antagonist. **Direction:** 1. **John Ford**: He directs the film with his signature style, blending drama, romance, and social commentary. The pacing is good, but some scenes feel slow or overly long. 2. **Camera Work**: The cinematography by Joseph H. August is stunning; he captures the vibrant nightlife of New Orleans and the gritty streets of the city's lower class. 3. **Sound Design**: The sound design is impressive for its time, particularly in the musical numbers featuring Dorothy Lamour. The score by Alfred Newman adds to the film's atmosphere, but sometimes overpowers the dialogue. **Miscellaneous:** 1. **Story**: The plot is convoluted and meandering at times, making it hard to follow. 2. **Script**: The screenplay by Robert Rossen and Nunnally Johnson could have been tightened up for a more streamlined narrative. Overall, "The Hurricane" is a visually stunning film with strong performances from Dorothy Lamour and Sydney Greenstreet. While the direction and pacing are good, some aspects of the story and script could be improved upon. Nevertheless, it remains an important part of film history, showcasing the early work of John Ford and the talents of its cast.
Technical Aspects The Hurricane
The 1937 film 'The Hurricane' directed by John Ford is a classic drama that tells the story of a Pacific Islander who is wrongly accused of murder and sentenced to death. While the film's narrative may be straightforward, its technical aspects are what make it truly remarkable. Cinematography: The cinematography in 'The Hurricane' was handled by Bert Glennon, who used a combination of camera techniques to create a sense of depth and dimensionality on screen. He employed a range of camera angles, including low-angle shots, high-angle shots, and Dutch angles, which added visual interest and tension to key scenes. One notable aspect of the film's cinematography is its use of color. The movie features a striking palette of colors, particularly in its depiction of tropical landscapes and cultures. Glennon used vibrant hues like green, blue, and red to create a sense of warmth and energy on screen, which helped to evoke the exotic setting of the story. Sound Design: The sound design in 'The Hurricane' was handled by Edmund H. Hansen and Bernard Freericks. The film's soundtrack is notable for its use of authentic Pacific Island music and chant, which added to the movie's sense of cultural authenticity. The sound effects were also well-executed, with convincing storm sounds that heightened the drama of key scenes. Visual Effects: 'The Hurricane' features a range of visual effects, including matte paintings, set extensions, and optical printing. These techniques allowed the filmmakers to create elaborate sets and environments on a relatively modest budget. One notable example is the film's depiction of the hurricane itself. The storm was recreated using a combination of practical effects, such as wind machines and water mist, and visual effects like matte painting and optical printing. The result is a visually striking and intense sequence that adds to the drama of the story. In conclusion, while 'The Hurricane' may not be a technically groundbreaking film by modern standards, its technical aspects are still impressive for their time. The cinematography, sound design, and visual effects all contribute to a movie that is both a classic drama and a cultural artifact from the 1930s.
More Details The Hurricane
'The Hurricane' is a 1999 biographical drama film directed by Norman Jewison and starring Denzel Washington, Vicellia Spears, Deborah Kara Unger, John Hannah, and Clive Owen. **Cast:** * Denzel Washington as Rubin "Hurricane" Carter * Vicellia Spears as Hilda Carter * Deborah Kara Unger as Lesra Martin * John Hannah as Sam Chaiton * Clive Owen as Pat Lombardo **Production Companies:** * Universal Pictures * Touchstone Pictures * Norman Jewison Productions **Interesting Trivia:** 1. The movie is based on the true story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a professional boxer who was wrongly convicted of murder and spent 19 years in prison before his conviction was overturned. 2. Denzel Washington's performance as Carter earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. 3. The film took four years to make due to budget constraints and the difficulty in finding financing. 4. The movie was shot on location in New York City, Montreal, and Toronto. 5. Rubin "Hurricane" Carter himself had a cameo appearance in the film as an older man watching Washington's character being released from prison. 6. The film was criticized by some for its portrayal of the police and their treatment of African Americans during the 1960s. 7. The movie was shot on a relatively low budget of $40 million, but it went on to gross over $70 million worldwide. **Other Facts:** * 'The Hurricane' was written by Dan Gordon and Leo Gordon, who also wrote the screenplay for the film 'Miller's Crossing' (1990). * The film received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor for Washington, Best Supporting Actress for Unger, Best Original Screenplay for Gordon and Gordon, and Best Film Editing. * Norman Jewison has directed over 40 films throughout his career, but 'The Hurricane' is one of his most critically acclaimed works.
Conclusion The Hurricane
Here's a potential conclusion: "Ah, 'The Hurricane'. What a fascinating, yet flawed film this is. Directed by John Frankenheimer in 1979, 'The Hurricane' tells the story of Rubin Carter, a boxer wrongly accused of murder in 1966. The movie boasts many strengths: the powerful performance of Muhammad Ali as Carter, the gripping courtroom drama, and the social commentary on racism and injustice. These elements come together to create a compelling narrative that will keep viewers engaged. However, there are several weaknesses. For one, the pacing is often slow and plodding, which can make it difficult for viewers to stay invested in the story. Additionally, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped and lack depth, making it hard to truly connect with them. Despite these flaws, I believe 'The Hurricane' remains a powerful and important film that deserves attention. It's a testament to the enduring power of art to raise awareness about social justice issues, and its influence can be seen in many other films and documentaries that have followed. In conclusion, while 'The Hurricane' is not perfect, it is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that is well worth watching. Its flaws are minor compared to its many strengths, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in boxing, social justice, or simply great storytelling."