Comments on: A chronology of some lesser known Robert Ryan films

By: Frank James Davis

Frank James Davis — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:26:40 +0000

Because he was a well-rounded actor, Robert Ryan portrayed as menacing a heavy as has ever stepped before the camera. In that regard–indeed, in almost all aspects–I believe Ryan was on a par with both Robert Mitchum and Lee Marvin.
Another two of my favorite “bad guys” are Ernest Borgnine and Bruce Dern.

By: BRIAN

BRIAN — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 23:19:30 +0000

Woman On Pier 13(1949)Film Noir as good as it gets.
Behind The Rising Sun(1943)Robert Ryan has a great fight scene with Mike Mazurki.Not a bad WW2 Film.

By: Robert Kawasaki

Robert Kawasaki — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:22:33 +0000

Also, I must mention GOD’S LITTLE ACRE as a lesser known Robert Ryan film. Needless to say this does not mean the film is worthless. It is actually a wonderful film. It is quite strange, that the film received high critical recognitions on the first run in 1958, however, its popularity was increasingly diminished through the years. Maybe, because some people felt the film did not look like an Anthony Mann film. It was not a western or a film noir. It is a folk tragicomedy which might belongs to hands of John Ford, nevertheless, its style definitely belongs to Anthony Mann. Relationship between land scape and the men, one’s self realization through critical struggle, vivid moment of violence, and sophisticated intelligence, which are all components of GOD’S LITTLE ACRE, are typcal Anthony Mann motifs. They are actually presented superbly and quite beautifully in this film. Robert Ryan’s performance as Ty Ty is one of the main contributors to the film. He is multi-faced. He is crazy, selfish, and greedy, of course. Yet, he also is loving, intelligent, and compassionate. This role was difinitely Ryan’s. Who else could play such a complexed character with full conviction. Along with WINCHESTER ’73, EL CID, MEN IN WAR, you must remember that GOD’S LITTLE ACRE was one of the personal favorites for its director, Anthony Mann.

By: Robert Kawasaki

Robert Kawasaki — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:12:47 +0000

Robert Ryan appeared in many artistic films which dealt with deep human emotions and one’s realization about himself. He was very good in this kind of films. Fortunately, he has left several classics in such genre.

THE WOMAN ON THE BEACH
ACT OF VIOLENCE
THE SET-UP
ON DANGEROUS GROUND
INFERNO
ABOUT MRS. LESLIE
MEN IN WAR
GOD’S LITTLE ACRE
LONELYHEARTS
DAY OF THE OUTLAW
ODDS AGAINST TOMORROW
THE LAWMAN
THE ICEMAN COMETH

I have recently watched INFERNO directed by underrated but talented Roy Ward Baker(THE SINGER NOT THE SONG was also great). Sure, it is a modest and small scaled film but its surely well made, and siginificantly thought provoking. An innovative direction, a thoughtful script, an effective editing, a beautiful carerawork, and Ryan’s great acting made this film one of the minor masterpieces of 50′s cinema.

By: Darryl

Darryl — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:55:36 +0000

Robert Ryan is to me a “class A” actor in all respects. His delivery is full of emotion that never looks forced or fake. And as a youngster watching “The Naked Spur” I remember his sneak filled laugh. It’s a small thing, but this tells me, he’s got what it takes. Many people I talk to do not even know who this great actor was. I wish more people would watch TCM and see not only the talents of Robert Ryan but the wonderful talent of the actors and actresses of years past. They do not know what they are missing.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:58:31 +0000

The Naked Spur shows Ryan’s more vulnerable and liberated side.

By: Juana Maria

Juana Maria — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:18:11 +0000

My Favorite Robert Ryan film is “Inferno”. I’ve seen it only on
AMC tv channel. It’s not the best movie ever, but Ryan gives a great performance.

By: Stan Prentice

Stan Prentice — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:50:19 +0000

The first time I noticed Robert Ryan was in Billy Budd. I thought that was a wonderful movie, and Ryan’s portrayal of Claggart was spot on. The master-at-arms was a purely hateful man, and Ryan didn’t attempt to give him some redeeming quality, nor to explain his nastiness. You knew that there was some reason for it, but Ryan kept it under the surface, where it belonged. I loved him in that role, and have enjoyed him in others since then. — Stan

By: suzidoll

suzidoll — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:13:16 +0000

Great story Dan: Thanks for sharing.

By: spidermike

spidermike — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:54:29 +0000

I think my earliest memory of Ryan is when I was around 10 in the late 70′s and watching The Dirty Dozen with my father. Dad’s quote upon seeing Ryan in the film was “I never liked that bas-ard”.
What Dad didn’t realize is just how great Ryan was in film generally.
As I got older and watched more and more films I realized that there was more to this guy than just a sour character.
I think I realized watching The Wild Bunch that he could be so much more than what my father thought of him.
Then of course I would look for his films on late night T.V. and now have seen over half and thanks to channels like TCM it has become much more easier to find them.
I’d like to make mention of House of Bamboo as perhaps my favorite bad guy role that he did. Since that is what he is generally remembered for. I think it rates right up alongside his role in the much more famous Bad Day at Black Rock which admittedly is a must see for those that haven’t taken the time. But try to see Bamboo as well.

Thanks for the films Mr. Ryan…….and finally my Dad has come around a little as I’ve pushed a few DVD’s in his hands over the past few years.

Mike Perry