DVD Review: Man in the Shadow (1957)

Directed by Jack Arnold. Cast: Jeff Chandler, Orson Wells, Colleen Miller, Ben Alexander, Barbara Lawrence, John Larch, James Gleason, Royal Dano, Paul Fix, Leo Gordon, Martin Garalaga. Released December 12, 1957. Running time: 80 minutes.

In actor Jeff Chandler's final film under his exclusive Universal Studios contract, he plays Ben Sadler, the sheriff of a small town run by Virgil Renchler, a wealthy rancher (Orson Welles). When a young citizen is murdered, Renchler's ranch hands are guilty, but Sadler's investigation into the killing is thwarted by Renchler's power over the town. Even the citizens fear that without Renchler's business, the small town couldn't exist. Human conflict, brutality, and strong performances cause the 80 minute running time of "Man in the Shadow" to effectivel whiz by, never dragging or causing one to lose interest.

Robert Middleton was originally cast to play Renchler, but at the time, Orson Welles needed $60,0000 to pay off back taxes, so he was given the part out of financial necessity. It is his first experience in a western film, and his evil countenance and stern demeanor are most effective. Welles' auteurist instincts caused him to suggest changes to the script and to director Jack Arnold's approach to some scenes, but Arnold later indicated that Welles was a delight to work with and his ideas were beneficial to the production. This film is where Welles met producer Albert Zugsmith, who later produced Orson's classic "Touch of Evil."

Jeff Chandler had been making movies for Universal throughout most of the 1950s under exclusive contract, but had frequently complained to the press about the size of his workload. Still, his films were quite successful and in 1957, the year "Man in the Shadow" was released (it had been filmed a year earlier), he was among the Top Ten most popular male movie stars in America. Chandler was said to be friendly and light hearted on the sets of his films, helping to ease occasional tensions, and was also noted to be a loyal friend. For instance when Sammy Davis Jr. lost his eye in an auto accident, Jeff Chandler offered him one of his. Chandler died young, in 1961, due to what was deemed surgical malpractice in a hospital, which was sued for $1.5 million by his children.

Kino Lorber's blu ray of "Man in the Shadow" is a beautiful restoration that brings out the sharpness and vibrancy of its black and white, Cinemascope presentation. It is further benefited by excellent commentary by film historian Troy Howarth.

This stark, atmospheric western drama is highly recommended and available at this link:

MAN IN THE SHADOW