DVD Review: Thunder Bay (1953)

Anthony Mann's "Thunder Bay," starring James Stewart, Joanne Dru, and Dan Duryea, has historical significance as the first Universal studios movie filmed with stereophonic sound. In fact, some period critics complained that the movie blasting through three speakers was too loud. Good thing the original plan to also film in 3-D was scrapped.

Now released to blu ray by KINO, "Thunder Bay" is also noteworthy as the rare collaboration between actor Stewart and director Mann that was not a western. It is a drama of oil drillers in Louisiana conflicting with the shrimp fishermen who believe the drilling could affect their livelihood.

It appears that Anthony Mann, and James Stewart, simply created a western in a different setting, trading cowboy outfits and horses for workman's clothes, boats, and oil rigs. And the story investigates such conflicts as attempting to survive when times are tough, how big ideas can result in as many dangers as there are benefits, and how a small town can seem unwelcome to strangers trying to make sweeping changes.

The film works as tense drama with a lot of character conflict, but it doesn't dwell too much on any of them, never trying to deeply examine their personal situations. The conflicts are an organic part of the film's narrative and is sustained by the performances that also include such veteran actors as Jay C. Flippen, Gilbert Roland, Antonio Moreno, and Harry Morgan.

Stewart is stubborn and obsessive, not unlike the roles he played in his westerns with Mann, like "Bend of the River" or "The Naked Spur." As usual, Stewart strongly resonates in every scene, offering a commanding presence. Dan Duryea tempers his naturally oily quality (he usually plays the bad guy) as Stewart's partner. Their conflicts are sometimes rough, but their connection as friends is as solid as it is occasionally difficult. Joanne Dru, fairly early in the narrative, delivers a passionate warning speech to others of the small town, reminding us of similar work she did in films like "Red River" and "Wagon Master." The location shooting is an effective backdrop, and the Technicolor is vibrant and stunning. Dazzling action scenes are exciting without being flashy.

KINO's blu ray offers an optional audio commentary by film historian Toby Roan that is interesting and informative. Roan has done several such commentaries for the company and his contribution is always welcome.

The blu ray can be purchased at this link: Thunder Bay