From 1947, Warner Brothers' Deep Valley is a bit of a High Sierra ripoff, but the story is beautifully told by director Jean Negulesco.
Libby Saul lives a lonely, sad life with her parents in the middle of nowhere, in a house that looks like it should be condemned. Her mother Ellie (Fay Bainter) lives upstairs, a quasi-invalid; her father Cliff (Henry Hull) downstairs. They don't speak. Her father is always angry. And Libby stutters. She is only happy when she is in the woods with her dog, Joe.
A new road is being built through the mountains, and Libby and Joe watch the construction nearly every day. The road is being built by prisoners. The foreman, Jeff Barker (Wayne Morris) befriends Cliff Saul, and Cliff sees him as a potential match for Libby.
Libby, however, has caught the eye of a prisoner, Barry, and when she sees him disciplined, it traumatizes her. One night, her father strikes her. Libby realizes that she can't stay there anymore and leaves for the woods with Joe. There she runs into the escaped Barry, and the two fall in love.
Ida Lupino gives a sympathetic performance as Libby - vulnerable, but smart enough to realize she can't stay in the life she has. Libby's falling in love brings about massive changes for her parents, though they don't realize that's why.
Without Libby around, Ellie has to go downstairs and actually communicate with Cliff. And the presence of Jeff brings hope from Ellie that Libby will have a different life. Meanwhile, she's helping Joe hide and bringing him clothes and food.
Dane Clark was a poor man's John Garfield - he was very good as the impulsive, short-tempered Barry, but he lacked the gravitas for stardom. Someone said that his "tough" guy type went out of style. I'd say not really - Marlon Brando could be pretty tough, as could Rod Steiger. Clark had a good career, but not as a movie star. Hull and Bainter are excellent, and Wayne Morris does well as a good guy.
Beautifully photographed with some stunning images. Ida Lupino never achieved superstardom, but she had an interesting career as an actress and director.
Highly recommended.
Libby Saul lives a lonely, sad life with her parents in the middle of nowhere, in a house that looks like it should be condemned. Her mother Ellie (Fay Bainter) lives upstairs, a quasi-invalid; her father Cliff (Henry Hull) downstairs. They don't speak. Her father is always angry. And Libby stutters. She is only happy when she is in the woods with her dog, Joe.
A new road is being built through the mountains, and Libby and Joe watch the construction nearly every day. The road is being built by prisoners. The foreman, Jeff Barker (Wayne Morris) befriends Cliff Saul, and Cliff sees him as a potential match for Libby.
Libby, however, has caught the eye of a prisoner, Barry, and when she sees him disciplined, it traumatizes her. One night, her father strikes her. Libby realizes that she can't stay there anymore and leaves for the woods with Joe. There she runs into the escaped Barry, and the two fall in love.
Ida Lupino gives a sympathetic performance as Libby - vulnerable, but smart enough to realize she can't stay in the life she has. Libby's falling in love brings about massive changes for her parents, though they don't realize that's why.
Without Libby around, Ellie has to go downstairs and actually communicate with Cliff. And the presence of Jeff brings hope from Ellie that Libby will have a different life. Meanwhile, she's helping Joe hide and bringing him clothes and food.
Dane Clark was a poor man's John Garfield - he was very good as the impulsive, short-tempered Barry, but he lacked the gravitas for stardom. Someone said that his "tough" guy type went out of style. I'd say not really - Marlon Brando could be pretty tough, as could Rod Steiger. Clark had a good career, but not as a movie star. Hull and Bainter are excellent, and Wayne Morris does well as a good guy.
Beautifully photographed with some stunning images. Ida Lupino never achieved superstardom, but she had an interesting career as an actress and director.
Highly recommended.