Watch Moonrise

Moonrise is a dramatic film noir from 1948 directed by Frank Borzage. The movie is a unique and intriguing blend of genres, combining elements of romance, suspense, and crime. The story follows Danny Hawkins, a young man haunted by the memory of his father's execution for murder when he was a child. As an adult, Danny struggles to escape the shadow of his father's crime and find redemption for himself.

The film begins with a tense scene of Danny (played by Dane Clark) killing a man named Jerry Sykes in a fight. Danny is clearly distressed by what he has done and tries to flee the scene of the crime, but he is quickly surrounded by a group of men. The sheriff arrives and takes Danny into custody, but he is eventually released due to lack of evidence. However, Danny's troubles are far from over.

Danny's past comes back to haunt him when he meets Gilly (played by Gail Russell), a beautiful young woman who is also haunted by her own demons. Gilly's father was also executed for murder, and she is struggling to come to terms with his death. Despite their shared traumas, Danny and Gilly feel a strong connection and begin a romance. However, their happiness is short-lived as the town's prejudices and suspicions about Danny's past threaten to tear them apart.

One of the most compelling aspects of Moonrise is its portrayal of small-town life in the American South in the late 1940s. The film depicts a community that is close-knit but also fiercely judgmental and unforgiving. The town's inhabitants are quick to make assumptions and pass judgment on Danny, labeling him a murderer and treating him with suspicion and hostility. The film is also notable for its sympathetic portrayal of Gilly, a woman who is struggling to overcome her own grief and trauma. Gail Russell gives a nuanced performance as Gilly, conveying both her vulnerability and her strength.

Another standout performance in the film comes from Ethel Barrymore, who plays Danny's grandmother, Mrs. Hawkins. Mrs. Hawkins is a tough but kind-hearted matriarch who loves her grandson deeply and is determined to protect him from the town's prejudices. Barrymore brings depth and nuance to her portrayal of Mrs. Hawkins, imbuing the character with warmth, wisdom, and compassion.

Overall, Moonrise is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the search for identity. The film's unique blend of genres may not appeal to all viewers, but its compelling characters, powerful performances, and haunting atmosphere make it a memorable and worthwhile watch.

Moonrise is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.