‘In a Lonely Place’ is a movie adaptation of Dorothy B. Hughes’s book of the same name. While Casablanca and the Maltese Falcon are Humphrey Bogart’s most famous movies, ‘In a Lonely Place’ is another classic film, featuring the maestro in a deliciously wicked role.

This time he plays Dixon ‘Dix’ Steel(I know! Lets me grown ups and get past the name), a disgruntled, chauvinistic tormented and miserable sociopath who could possibly be a murderer.

Dixon is presented early on, as a resentful individual, not beyond rode rage and is always spoiling for a fight. The first scene of the movie shows Dixon driving his car on a street when a woman from an adjacent car recognizes him as a screenwriter and calls out to him. The man next to her is not too pleased and asks Dixon to leave her alone. Dixon insults the man and prepares to fight the him by parking his car right on the street.

The man drives away from him in haste. Dixon arrives at a bar, where he meets his agent. The agent wants Dixon to adapt a certain book to a movie. Dixon sensing that the book is hideous, refuses, but the agent succeeds in making Dixon accept the assignment.

The hat check girl at the bar, Mildred Atkinson who is close to completing reading the book, offers to narrate the plot of the entire book to Dixon. Dixon, who possibly has ulterior motives invites her home. She reluctantly accepts, supposedly breaking a date she had with another man.

As they come to his apartment, the two are noticed by another woman, a new tenant who has moved into the same apartment complex where Dixon resides.

When they settle into Dixon’s apartment, Mildred begins to tell the story. Dixon loses his patience, possibly because he dislikes the book’s plot or possibly because he finds her narration and the tone of her voice irritating, (This reviewer can relate to the latter) that he offers her cab fare rather than drive her home.

Dixon’s friend Nicolai, a cop who served with him in the army, visits Dixon the next day, claiming that Mildred was murdered the previous night. Dixon is brought before Captain Lochner, Nicolai’s superior who utterly dislikes Dixon.

Further, Dixon seems almost indifferent to Mildred’s murder and makes wisecracks about the incident, which arouses more contempt and suspicion in Lochner. Laurel Gray, Dixon’s new neighbor is brought in for questioning. She bolsters Dixon’s alibi saying that she saw Dixon leave.

Nicolai unlike his boss, trusts his friend and invites Dixon to his house, for dinner and to meet his new wife, Sylvia. The dinner becomes awkward, when Dixon proposes the killer’s modus operendi and has Sylvia and Nicolai reenact the murder. Dixon also provides insight into the murderer’s mindset. The whole incident unnerves Sylvia while Nicolai still retains his faith in Dixon. Dixon throws hints, that the murderer could be himself during the entire time, almost challenging his friend to arrest him.

Later Dixon researches Laurel’s past at his house with the help of his agent, Mel. They find out that she is a small-time actress. Laurel visits Dixon’s house at that time. Soon Dixon and Laurel begin a relationship.

Laurel, now totally enamored by Dixon, trusts him deeply and refuses to believe that he had anything to do with the murder. She remains steadfast, despite warnings from her masseuse, Lochner and Sylivia.

Over time, Dixon’s behavior becomes increasingly unstable. He suspects that he is under surveillance from the police, and one night, drives erratically, causing another driver to stop and lash out at him. In response Dixon steps out of the car and almost kills the man. Finally, Laurel gives in to doubts and is utterly conflicted about Dixon and begin taking sleeping pills, as she has difficulty sleeping. When Dixon proposes marriage to her, she accepts more out of fear, but begins to have doubts, if she can go through with it.

What does the plot now have in store? The climax and the end are both totally unexpected and will take you by surprised. This is another classic performance from Bogart. I’m no mind reader, but he seems to utterly relish playing Dixon. The terrifying dinner scene, I alluded to earlier, shows Bogart at his best.

Bogart is ably supported by a strong performance from Gloria Grahame, playing Laurel. The remaining cast also puts in good performances. This is one of the best noir films ever made,

Director: Nicolas Ray

Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Gloria Grahame, Frank Lovejoy, Carl Benton Reid

Available for free streaming on Tubi

Quotes

Dix: He’s a smart fellow, that Lochner. A couple times, he almost had me. It was his story against mine. But, of course, I told my story better…I was smart. I covered all the angles, I have an airtight alibi.

Dix: It’s a good thing you like my face. I’d have been in a lot of trouble without you.

Dix: That’s the trouble with these Hollywood dames. They all have such a sketchy education. They know absolutely nothing about the community chest, but they know everything there is to know about community property. Their arithmetic is not so hot, but just ask them how many minks make a coat. [about Laurel] I was born when she kissed me. I died when she left me. I lived a few weeks while she loved me.

Cop: Why didn’t you call for a cab? Isn’t that what a gentleman usually does under the circumstances?

Dix: Oh I didn’t say I was a gentleman, I said I was tired.