Bad Day at Black Rock is an exceptionally well-made movie that somehow hasn't received all that much attention. When watching biographies or compilations of Spencer Tracy's work, seldom is there much mention of this little gem. Part of this may be Tracy's character--who is VERY unlike any other he'd previously played. Tracy is a one-armed man who comes to a small town looking for some answers. All he finds is silence and hostility. It seems the town is run by rich thug and no one seems willing to break the wall of silence. This is when you see Spencer Tracy act very un-Spencer Tracy-ish, as he proceeds to kick butt big time! I sure didn't see that coming! I thought he'd just talk out the problem like most of his previous characters. Nope--kick butt and demand answers. If it had starred Robert Mitchum, for example, you would have seen all this coming--and it would have been far less interesting.
One other great things about this film is the menacing character played by one of the best unsung actors of this era, Robert Ryan. He could play so many roles well and here he is in his element as a nasty man who controls the town. Now you'd never expect Tracy to be more than a match for the very large and tough Ryan--and the way John Sturges is able to make this ridiculous match-up seem possible is why I really admire this film. Well worth seeing and exciting throughout.
One other great things about this film is the menacing character played by one of the best unsung actors of this era, Robert Ryan. He could play so many roles well and here he is in his element as a nasty man who controls the town. Now you'd never expect Tracy to be more than a match for the very large and tough Ryan--and the way John Sturges is able to make this ridiculous match-up seem possible is why I really admire this film. Well worth seeing and exciting throughout.