Moonrise (1948) | Directed by Frank Borzage

"Moonrise" is a moody and atmospheric film that tells the story of Danny Hawkins, a young man haunted by the legacy of his father's execution for murder. Living in a small Southern town, Danny struggles with his own violent impulses and the stigma of his family’s past. When a confrontation with a tormentor ends in death, Danny is thrust into a tense journey of guilt, redemption, and self-discovery.

Genre: Film Noir, Drama, Crime

Director: Frank Borzage

Frank Borzage was an American film director and actor, born on April 23, 1894, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He began his career as a silent film actor before transitioning to directing in the 1910s. Known for his deeply emotional storytelling and romantic themes, Borzage won the first Academy Award for Best Director for "Seventh Heaven" (1927) and again for "Bad Girl" (1931). His work is characterized by a spiritual sensibility and humanistic approach, often focusing on love enduring through adversity. "Moonrise" was one of his later films, showcasing a darker, more psychologically complex style.

Star Cast:
- Dane Clark as Danny Hawkins
- Gail Russell as Gilly Johnson
- Ethel Barrymore as Grandma
- Allyn Joslyn as Mose Jackson
- Rex Ingram as Jed Crawley
- Harry Morgan as Billy Scripture

Upon its release in 1948, "Moonrise" received mixed reviews. Some critics appreciated its atmospheric direction and psychological depth, while others found the story overly melodramatic. Over time, however, the film gained recognition as an underappreciated gem, particularly for Borzage's direction and the moody cinematography. Modern audiences and film scholars have praised it for its noir aesthetic and emotional complexity, often citing it as a unique entry in Borzage’s body of work.

Fun Facts:
- "Moonrise" was one of the last films directed by Frank Borzage, marking a stylistic departure from his earlier romantic dramas.
- The film was based on the 1946 novel of the same name by Theodore Strauss.
- It was largely shot on studio sets, which contributed to its surreal, expressionistic look.
- Rex Ingram, who played Jed, was one of the few African American actors at the time to be given a substantial and dignified role in a mainstream film.
- Though overlooked in its time, "Moonrise" has since been preserved by the Criterion Collection, bringing it renewed attention and appreciation.

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