Pursued

Mitchum carries this moody Film Noir Western set in turn-of-the-century New Mexico

An adopted son at a ranch (Robert Mitchum) is haunted by something that happened in his childhood as he goes off to fight in the Spanish-American War. Upon his return, he romances Thorley (Teresa Wright) while dealing with the love-hate relationship of his brother (John Rodney). Meanwhile there’s the specter of a one-armed man in the background (Dean Jagger).

“Pursued” (1947) is a well-produced B&W Western with a huge reputation and infamously known for being the film Jim Morrison watched the night he perished on July 3, 1971. Mitchum was 29 during shooting and his towering, brooding presence makes the flick worthwhile, along with Raoul Walsh’s Orson Welles-influenced direction.

Unfortunately, there’s some bad writing, such as the poorly developed character of Adam, not to mention Thorley’s sudden emotional pendulum swings (Why Sure!). But I like the sad theme of adopted children never being as loved and trusted as biological ones.

It runs 1 hour, 41 minutes, and was shot in northwest New Mexico at Gallup and nearby Red Rock Park in Church Rock (the ranch), as well as Warner Bros. Ranch in Calabasas, which is 10 miles west of the Hollywood Sign, plus stuff done at the Burbank studio.

GRADE: C+/B-