THUNDER BAY

US, 1953, 103 minutes, Colour.
James Stewart, Joanne Dru, Gilbert Roland, Dan Duryea, Jay C. Flippen, Marcia Henderson, Harry Morgan.
Directed by Anthony Mann.

Thunder Bay is set in the Gulf of Mexico, a film about pioneering in the oil industry in the years after World War Two. However, with the new technology and the invasion of genuine oil seekers as well as wildcat strikers, there is a clash between the fishermen of the Bay of Mexico.

James Stewart is the hero, clashing with Joanne Dru. There is a strong supporting cast of regulars at Universal Studios.

This was one of several films which James Stewart made with Anthony Mann during the 1950s. The westerns in the group stand out and they include Winchester 73, The Naked Edge, Man of the West. Others include Strategic Air Command as well as The Glenn Miller Story.

1. The quality of this film as an action drama of the 50's, reflecting interest and styles of the times? Impact today?

2. The atmosphere of Louisiana, colour, locations, the 40's? An authentic atmosphere of Louisiana and the Gulf? Special effects e.g. storms?

3. The question about oil prospecting, progress and exploration? The contrast with the simple work of the shrimp fishermen? The outlook of the 40s and 50s on oil exploration, energy? In the light of the discussion in the 70's on ecology, energy crisis? The final harmony between the oil prospectors and the shrimp fishers? An optimistic solving of these problems?

4. The atmosphere of United States optimism, fighting for success, opening up new frontiers? Motivations and idealism, experience, money?

5. James Stewart's persona, personal style, as used in this kind of drama? The director is said to have presented thoughtful men having to use violence. How does Stewart's character illustrate this?

6. The introduction to the film, Johnny and Martin? Their shabbiness, lack of money, idealism? Shrewdness and practicalities? The life, the town, the initial encounter with the people? The success and change of attitude?

7. The atmosphere of deep business enterprises, financial bickering of oil exploration, answers to boards? The nature of risks? Martin's failures and his explanation? His sense, intuition, shared by the representative?

8. How dramatically was the clash between the oil men and the shrimp fishers presented? The oil men and their background, hard work, discipline? Invading the town? The symbolism of the fight? The townspeople, tradition, outsiders? Threat to the townspeople of their livelihood, marriage?

9. The world of the shrimp fishermen, Dominique and his family, his welcoming the oil men? Roland and his attitude? Friendship, hostility, fighting? The poverty, the boats? Philippe and his stooping to sabotage? His death? The build-up to the final confrontation? A presentation of real issues for livelihood?

10. The contrast with the oil men and the presentation of the searching, the explosives and the threat to the shrimps, Martin and his control, the platforms, the drilling? The sabotage, explosions? The threat of money being cut off, the men's hostility and support of Martin? The exhilaration of success and their being covered in oil?

11. James Stewart’s portrayal of Martin, as an honorable and honest man, capacity for work, his dreams, his tough attitude towards the townspeople e.g. with the explosives, a man of his word, love for Stella, suspicion of her? Friendship with Johnny and the bond between them, trying to curb his excesses, his relationship with the business men and the board? Importance of the sabotage and his fighting of Philippe and trying to save him? His shrewdness with the shrimp fishermen? The happy ending? An American type?

12. The portrayal of Johnny, his irresponsibility, change, fighting and drinking, good will, marriage? Loyalty to Martin?

13. Stella and her suspicions, Chicago experience, fascination for Martin, love or him, his hurting of her, the end? Helping? Her sister and the reaction of the isolation and narrowness of the town, her love for Johnny, marriage?

14. Themes of the clash of the tradition and the modern world. American. types, success, failure, violence, peace?