Cornered (1945) | Directed by Edward Dmytryk

Cornered is a post-war film noir thriller that follows a Canadian ex-RAF pilot who, after the death of his wife in the French Resistance, embarks on a relentless search across South America to track down the Nazi collaborator responsible. As he descends into a web of deceit and shifting identities, his obsession threatens to consume him. The film explores themes of revenge, justice, and the lingering moral complexities of war.

Genre: Film Noir, Thriller, Mystery

Director: Edward Dmytryk

Edward Dmytryk was a notable American film director best known for his work in the film noir and social drama genres. Born in Canada and raised in San Francisco, he began his career as a film editor before transitioning to directing in the 1930s. Dmytryk became one of the leading figures of the noir movement with films like *Murder, My Sweet* and *Crossfire*. His career was interrupted by his blacklisting during the McCarthy era, but he later resumed directing and teaching film.

Star Cast

* Dick Powell as Laurence Gerard
* Walter Slezak as Melchior Incza
* Micheline Cheirel as Mme. Jarnac
* Nina Vale as Madeleine Jarnac
* Morris Carnovsky as Manuel Satana
* Edgar Barrier as Diego

Cornered received strong reviews upon release, with particular praise for its moody atmosphere, tight direction, and Dick Powell’s gritty performance. It was seen as a timely and compelling drama that captured postwar disillusionment and the thirst for justice in a chaotic world. Though less widely remembered today than some other noir films, it retains a respected place in the genre for its intensity and political resonance.

Fun Facts

* The film marked another step in Dick Powell’s transformation from light musical star to hardboiled noir actor, following his success in *Murder, My Sweet*.
* It was one of several postwar thrillers that dealt with the international pursuit of Nazi war criminals, reflecting real-world concerns of the time.
* Edward Dmytryk and screenwriter John Paxton worked together frequently, and this film was part of a series of socially aware noirs produced by Adrian Scott.
* The film’s shadowy cinematography and claustrophobic settings enhanced its atmosphere of paranoia and moral ambiguity.
* Dmytryk later included *Cornered* in his teaching syllabus, using it as an example of effective noir storytelling and visual composition.

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