(1941)
2.5
Craig Butler
A slightly above average adventure picture, Sundown has its ups and downs but comes out just a bit on the up side. As is so often the case, much of the "downs" are due to the screenplay. It seems as if the writers cobbled together a few plot devices from here, a few from there, a good supporting character from one story, an ending setting from Mrs. Miniver and hoped that stirring them all up would create something new. It doesn't. But, that said, there have been far worse screenplays than this, which is functional if nothing more. Its stars are also a mixed bag. On the plus side, we have George Sanders. When "on," Sanders could be relied upon to bring a unique quality to any film, and Sundown catches Sanders definitely in the "on" position. The movie also has the beauty of Gene Tierney, which is truly something to behold. Were her performance in the same class as her beauty -- which it is not - Sundown would have been a much better film. Similarly, Bruce Cabot looks good but his performance is only okay. There's better work from supporting players Harry Carey and Cedric Hardwicke. Henry Hathaway's direction is uneven, but it's spot on during the battle scenes; these are among the film's highlights. Charles B. Lang's cinematography is also a definite plus, moody when needed, dazzling on occasion.
awards for Sundown on AllMovie
Sundown (1941)
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
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Nominated |
Best Black and White Art Direction
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1941 |
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Nominated |
Best Black and White Cinematography
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1941 |
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Nominated |
Best Dramatic Score
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1941 |
