Out of the Past

Released in 1947, Out of the Past is widely regarded as a defining achievement of classic film noir. Directed by Jacques Tourneur and adapted from Daniel Mainwaring’s novel Build My Gallows High (1946), the film is considered one of the most visually influential films of the noir era. Starring Robert Mitchum in the role that defined his onscreen persona, alongside Jane Greer and Kirk Douglas, Out of the Past is an essential touchstone of American crime cinema.

The quiet life of small-town gas station owner Jeff Bailey (Robert Mitchum) is interrupted when a figure from his shady past, small-time crook Joe Stephanos (Paul Valentine), recognizes him. Stephanos’ boss, crooked gambler Whit Sterling (Kirk Douglas), had hired Jeff to track down Kathie Moffat (Jane Greer), a girlfriend who shot Whit and made off with $40,000 of his. Jeff and Kathie fell in love, but she left him to go back to Sterling, who now wants Jeff to settle a few old scores.