RKO Radio Pictures
One of Warner Archive Collection’s most recent transfers is the 1948 Western film Blood on the Moon, starring Robert Mitchum and directed by Robert Wise. This was the second Western film starring Mitchum to be released in 1948, the other being Rachel and the Stranger. Here, Mitchum plays Jim Garry, a drifter who is offered a job by an old friend but runs into a conflict between cattle ranchers and homesteaders. This film mixes the genre of Westerns and Film Noir well as Garry starts to learn of people’s true intentions behind the conflict.
Review
Robert Wise went on to direct many big films after Blood on the Moon such as The Haunting, The Sound of Music, West Side Story, and Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Wise adds a style of directing that makes this stand out from other Westerns I have seen from the 40s and 50s. The cinematography is great and captures the beauty of a western setting. I was impressed with the production for this film. If it was the setting they created or the costumes, it was a believable film for when it came out.
I wasn’t fully invested in the character reveals towards the end of the film. Some of the characters, mostly Jake Pindalest (Frank Faylen) and John Lufton (Tom Tully), never felt fully developed. When certain reveals were brought forth, it didn’t impact me as much as I thought it would. Jim Garry, who was the main character, was the best written character in the film and there was a lot that I liked about the guy. He tries to fix the conflict that he is thrown into and the characters he meets along the way make it challenging for him. Robert Mitchum played the role of Jim Garry well by giving a rugged performance that was fitting for the tone of the film.
Video
I’m always impressed with how Warner Archive Collection can clean up a film. They always make their restorations look the best they possibly can. With Blood on the Moon, the result is a fantastic looking transfer that wipes away any grain or any marks on the film. The film is in black and white but the daylight scenes pop and feel bright whereas the nighttime scenes feel dark, but still visible. The cinematography is impressive within the film and the transfer can capture the beauty of the locations.
Audio
For the age of this film, the audio is done well for this transfer. There are plenty of action scenes involving shooting and horses galloping that are loud and make the scenes thrilling. The dialogue is clear especially during conversations with the main characters. The original score by Roy Webb feels like a classic Western score and it got me in the mood to watch more Westerns.
Special Features
- Theatrical trailer (1:52)
Overview
Blood on the Moon was an entertaining Western film despite a lackluster ending. The transfer for the film is worth a watch alone. Any fans of the genres Western or Film Noir should check out Warner Archive Collection’s newest release of the film.
Blood on the Moon is 88 minutes long.
Warner Archive generously provided Hotchka with the Blu-ray for reviewing purposes.
RKO Radio Pictures
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