Cast
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Robert Taylor
as Rigby
Ava Gardner
as Elizabeth Hintten
Charles Laughton
as J.J. Bealer
Vincent Price
as Carwood
John Hodiak
as Tugwell 'Tug' Hintten
Samuel S. Hinds
as Dr. Warren
John Hoyt
as Gibbs
Tito Renaldo
as Emilio Gomez
Martín Garralaga
as Pablo Gomez
Fernando Alvarado
as Flute Player (uncredited)
Robert Cabal
as Bellboy (uncredited)
Gene Coogan
as Club Patron (uncredited)
David Cota
as Bellboy (uncredited)
Peter Cusanelli
as Rhumba Dancer (uncredited)
Jacob Dance
as Old Townsman (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Robert Z. Leonard
Producer
- Pandro S. Berman
Reviews
John Chard
I never knew a crooked road could look so straight.
The Bribe is directed by Robert Z. Leonard and written by Marguerite Roberts. It stars Robert Taylor, Ava Gardner, Charles Laughton, Vincent Price and John Hodiak. Music is by Miklós Rózsa and cinematography by Joseph Ruttenberg.
Federal agent Rigby (Taylor) is assigned to the island of Carlotta to investigate the illegal trafficking of war-surplus aircraft parts. He quickly finds out that it's not just the weather that is hot...
Frustrating! Out of MGM, The Bribe bites off more than it can chew. On one hand you have a cast guaranteed to either make you swoon or hiss at, on the other it's a cheaply staged production coasting on the star power and high end technical credits.
Everything about the piece screams out that the execs put all the money into the casting, the hiring of a master musical composer and a cinematographer of some standing. On the page, the realisation of such, it's laborious, needlessly convoluted and really rather dull. It's no surprise to find during research that Taylor himself felt it was one of the worst films he ever made! It all looks so fake, from the crude back screen projections and spliced scenes from elsewhere, to the backlot set that looks about as close to a warm tropical island as an igloo does.
On the plus side is Ruttenberg's photography, superb in contrasts and shadowy whiles (the slats are amazing), while Taylor's dry narration really engages, it's these aspects that explains why the film has found its way into some film noir bibles. Gardner and Taylor sizzle with sexuality, their on screen affair being played out for real off screen - much to the consternation of one Barbara Stanwyck. Laughton sweats and limps a lot whilst making a weasel look honourable, Price does the twirling moustache villainy he was so great at, while Hodiak shows good pathos as a drunk clearly in over his head with all aspects of his life.
Fans of the stars get good value, but this has to go down as a wasted opportunity. It failed at the box office and ultimately - in spite of some splendid film noir tints - it's not hard to see why. 5.5/10
Jun 21, 2015
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Bribe examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Robert Z. Leonard brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1949, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Bribe took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1822 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1949, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Bribe shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Killer's Kiss, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Bribe offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like F/X and Sucker List explore similar territory, The Bribe stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 3, 1949
- Runtime: 1h 38m
