Small House of Everything

Small House of Everything

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

OVERLOOKED FILM: THUNDER ROCK (1942)

 Michael Redgrave plays a disillussioned journalist who has retreated to being a lighthouse keeper on Lake Michigan -- it's sole resident.  James Mason is his friend who arrives at the lightouse when it is found that Redgrave has cashed none of his paychecks.  Redgrave, it seems, has combatted his loneliness by talking to the ghosts of those who have drowned in a shipwreck ninety years before.

A bit hokey, but a well-acted and well-staged fantasy that also serves as war propaganda, directed by Ray Boulting from the play by Robert Ardrey.  Ardey's play was adapted for the screen by Jeffrey Dell and Bernard Miles.  Also featured are Frederick Valk and Lilli Palmer, with a minor role going to a young Barry Morse.

I happen to be a big fan of James Mason's work.  His commanding presence always lifts any film, from mediocre to good and from good to great.  It ws wonderful to see him in this movie.

Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYO6AdU2ZWc

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