BEAUTIFUL BUT DANGEROUS

US, 1954, 88 minutes, Black and white.
Robert Mitchum, Jean Simmons, Arthur Hunnicutt, Edgar Buchanan, Wallace Ford, Raymond Walburn.
Directed by Lloyd Bacon.

Beautiful But Dangerous is a slight romantic comedy, capitalising on the screen presence of Robert Mitchum and Jean Simmons who had appeared in the melodramatic Angel Face. Howard Hughes was a supporter of Jean Simmons and urged her working again with Robert Mitchum.

It is a daffy comedy of the sub-Capra style, a rich heiress whose life was saved by an Arkansas doctor going back after education in England and the Continent to give money to those who had helped her. Her judgment and lavish gifts make all the recipients uncomfortable. Robert Mitchum plays the laid-back local doctor. Arthur Hunnicutt, Edgar Buchanan and Wallace Ford are the even more laid-back locals.

The film is a romantic comedy, very slight, a few humorous moments - but relies on the charm of its stars.

1. Popular romantic comedy in its time? The style of the 50s? Seen in retrospect? The chemistry of the two stars?

2. The title, indication of more than was offered in the film - suggestion of melodrama instead of benign comedy?

3. Black and white photography, the atmosphere of Arkansas? The town itself, isolated, the homes, the way of life? Musical score?

4. Corby and her background, her father leaving her the money, her education, returning to America, her mission to give money to those who helped her? The drive to Arkansas, her being a city girl out of place in the country town? Her interaction with the locals? Her demands to see the doctor, ringing the bell, discovering his son? His advances towards her, going out with him, sparring? Her going to town, buying the gifts? Her being present at the birth of the baby? The doctor challenging her, her realising the mistakes she had made? His proposing, her irritation with him, her going fishing with the boy, her change of heart - and a future with the doctor?

5. The doctor, fishing, laid-back, liking the small country town, the reputation of his father? His reaction to Corby, his friendship with the boy? The visit, the meals, the birth of the baby, his reaction to the gifts? Trying to teach her a lesson? His proposal? His finding out from the files about her past? A happy future?

6. The locals, their style, drinking, sitting on the porch, doing a bit of work? The alcoholic and the owner bringing the drink to him? Corby and her buying the proper whiskey, its ill effect on him? The support of Doc? The local restaurant - seeming more stylish than the town could afford?

7. The cheerful nature of the film, the theme of generosity and helping ordinary people, respecting them and finding out how to do it? The romantic ending?