Activate your BLOCKBUSTER On Demand device

Bad Day at Black Rock (1955)

Bad Day at Black Rock (1955)
Play Trailer and Clips
Member Rating:  
This powerfully tense, fast-paced suspense drama also yields a grim social message about racial prejudice. Spencer Tracy is John J. MacReedy, a one-armed stranger who comes to the tiny town of Black Rock one hot summer day in 1945, the first time the train has stopped there in years. He looks for both a hotel room and a local Japanese farmer named Komoko, but his inquiries are greeted at first with open hostility, then with blunt threats and harassment, and finally with escalating violence. MacReedy soon realizes that he will not be allowed to leave Black Rock; town boss Reno Smith (Robert Ryan), who had Komoko killed because of his hatred of the Japanese, has also marked MacReedy for death. MacReedy must battle town thugs, a treacherous local woman (Anne Francis), and finally Smith himself to stay alive. The entire cast is flawless, especially Ernest Borgnine and Lee Marvin as the mean-spirited town bullies, and the relentlessly paced action never eclipses the film's sobering themes. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi

 Read More


Starring:
Spencer TracyRobert Ryan, (more)
Director(s):
John Sturges
Format(s):
DVD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 

Synopsis of Bad Day at Black Rock

This powerfully tense, fast-paced suspense drama also yields a grim social message about racial prejudice. Spencer Tracy is John J. MacReedy, a one-armed stranger who comes to the tiny town of Black Rock one hot summer day in 1945, the first time the train has stopped there in years. He looks for both a hotel room and a local Japanese farmer named Komoko, but his inquiries are greeted at first with open hostility, then with blunt threats and harassment, and finally with escalating violence. MacReedy soon realizes that he will not be allowed to leave Black Rock; town boss Reno Smith (Robert Ryan), who had Komoko killed because of his hatred of the Japanese, has also marked MacReedy for death. MacReedy must battle town thugs, a treacherous local woman (Anne Francis), and finally Smith himself to stay alive. The entire cast is flawless, especially Ernest Borgnine and Lee Marvin as the mean-spirited town bullies, and the relentlessly paced action never eclipses the film's sobering themes. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
81 mins

Complete Cast of Bad Day at Black Rock


Director(s):
John Sturges
Writer(s):
Millard KaufmanDon McGuire
Producer(s):
Howard HoffmanDore Schary
Categories:
Mystery & Suspense
Bad Day at Black Rock Awards:
  • 1955 - Cannes Film Festival - International Prize- Best Actor
Looking for special editions of Bad Day at Black Rock?
See All Versions
Subtitles:
Check All Versions
Closed Captioning:
Check All Versions
 
 
 
 

BY MAIL

Monthly Subscription 
NEW! 7 - Day Rental
No subscription required. Usually ships in 24 hours.
 
BuyPreviously Viewed   $6.39
(disc only)  
Previously Viewed   $7.99
(disc, case & artwork)

New  $14.99
 

IN-STORE

 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
YOUR REVIEW
WRITE A REVIEW
 
1000 
 
Member Reviews
 
Frank T.

It's nice seeing an American movie where fine acting negates the need for distracting special effects. The generally terse dialogue, limited sets, and timeless theme make it a prime candidate for the stage. A very good short film.

Yes   |   No

 
Jenny S.

I took this movie out because my husband wanted to see it again. I'm not quite sure that again is necessary. I do agree that it is a tense movie that definitely carries a grim social message and reminder about prejudice in this country. However, it does get a bit slow at times. This is a one hour TV show that was made into an hour and a half long movie. I do not regret watching it because the message, when it gets around to it, is a great one.

Yes   |   No

 
SHIRLEY G.

This was totally different for Spenser Tracy. I enjoyed it very much and would definetaly recommend it

Yes   |   No

 
Read All 16 Reviews