Watch Storm Warning

Storm Warning is a suspenseful American film made in 1951, directed by Stuart Heisler and produced by Jerry Wald, with stars Ginger Rogers, Ronald Reagan, and Doris Day. The story takes place in a small southern town where two sisters, Lucy Rice (Doris Day) and Mary Wilton (Ginger Rogers), visit to sell their inherited farm. Upon reaching the town, they witness a Ku Klux Klan rally and become witnesses to a murder, causing a chain of events to occur that not only put their lives in danger but also exposes the corrupt and racist organization.

The movie was a reaction to the widespread fear and violence caused by the KKK. Thus, the story shows how people of different backgrounds come together to combat hate and violence. The movie portrays that everyone deserves equal treatment and justice, regardless of their race, color, or religion.

The movie's opening scene shows a local grocery store announcing that it has been sold. The salesman proceeds to remove old items from the shelves, including derogatory signage towards African Americans. After a group of people visits the store and leaves with armfuls of items with a sign advertising that the store is closing, the camera then pans out to reveal the visitors as the Ku Klux Klan. Soon after, Lucy and Mary encounter a terrified teenager named Hank Rice (Steve Cochran), who is running from the Klan, driving him to the safety of the train station.

The sisters bear witness to the murder of a journalist who had been trying to uncover the truth about the KKK's activities in the area, but the Klan sees them and they become targets. When they approach local police, they meet Burt Rainey (Ronald Reagan), a compassionate and persistent war veteran turned detective, who, despite Mary's initial suspicion, is working to bring the perpetrators to justice. As the investigation moves forward, Mary realizes that her husband, a local prosecutor, may be connected to the Klan, causing tension to rise within their marriage. Throughout the movie, many characters, good and bad, are introduced, revealing the varied and complicated relationships between all of them, as they struggle to survive in a world where people use power, money, and violence to control others.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is the contrast between the image the Klan projects and the evil it actually represents. The Klan is shown disguising and hiding their true identity from the public, and at times, anyone who opposes their views. This fascination with the hidden side of human nature is depicted in many scenes, such as the Klan burning a cross on the Rice family's front lawn or Burt's intense interrogation process of the arrested Klan members. This creates an atmosphere of tension and suspense throughout the movie.

Another standout aspect of the movie is the excellent performance of the lead actors. Despite being known for her dancing skills, Ginger Rogers's performance as a resilient and brave woman who defies the Klan is a milestone in her career. Ronald Reagan, who portrays Burt Rainey, a man who finds himself in a moral dilemma, showed range and depth as an actor. Doris Day, who was still new to the screen at the time, brings an immediate warmth to her character and the supporting cast was outstanding too.

The movie has suspense, mystery, intrigue, and strong moral messages that are still relevant today. The movie's themes of racism, corruption, and injustice draw parallels that are still present in our society today. The movie also explores topics such as freedom of the press, the use of fear to control others, and the importance of taking a stand and fighting against hate and discrimination.

In conclusion, Storm Warning is an impressive film with a powerful storyline and excellent performances by the cast. Despite being a movie made more than sixty years ago, it still holds allure and resonance in today's world. The movie's theme inspires viewers to recognize the power and importance of standing up against injustice. Storm Warning is a must-watch film that will make you think, feel, and inspire you to take positive action.

Storm Warning is a 1951 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.