John Garfield as an actor was known for his aggressively intense style and in his final film before passing away at 39 it remains every bit as fierce in He Ran All the Way. The surviving member of a botched robbery, (the accomplice hanging on long enough to rat him out) and the killing of a policeman he is mostly an unsympathetic character, giving Garfield the opportunity to stretch in his dark moments which he does does most convincingly when he takes a family hostage. Shelly Winters begins slow but is soon matching Garfield scene for scene while a small but impressive supporting cast of Selena Royal, Gladys George, Wallace Ford and Norman Lloyd all work on the conflicted Garfield character are on the mark.
James Wong Howes photography is first rate with its deep focus crispness creating an intimate stage effect inside the home, his close-ups masterful portraits. John Berry's direction is well paced and uncompromising but improbable in moments. His career along with Royal, writers Dalton Trumbo and Hugo Butler were all derailed due to communist sympathies in the 50s. It may have well contributed to the stress that killed Garfield, also under scrutiny. His acting on the other hand, never looked healthier, his talent sharper.
James Wong Howes photography is first rate with its deep focus crispness creating an intimate stage effect inside the home, his close-ups masterful portraits. John Berry's direction is well paced and uncompromising but improbable in moments. His career along with Royal, writers Dalton Trumbo and Hugo Butler were all derailed due to communist sympathies in the 50s. It may have well contributed to the stress that killed Garfield, also under scrutiny. His acting on the other hand, never looked healthier, his talent sharper.