Robert Mitchum,
Film Noir Cool

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He's also interesting because he's not just your average nice guy who gets caught in a web. Many, if not most of his characters hint at a dark, twisted side within, which can be dangerous if provoked too deeply. Usually, it's hidden by a mellow, smooth exterior, but in later films like Night of the Hunter and Cape Fear, this side comes to the forefront.

He's the coolest.

Below, are film noir selections of the 40's and 50's in which Robert Mitchum starred or co-starred.

When Strangers Marry (1944)
In this early William Castle film, Mitchum plays Fred Graham, an ex-boyfriend of a woman (Kim Hunter) whose husband (Dean Jagger) is suspected of murder. But things aren't what they seem...

Undercurrent (1946)
Michael Garroway (Mitchum) is in hiding from his obsessive, murdering brother Alan (Robert Taylor). Ann (Katherine Hepburn) is the woman who gets stuck right in the middle.
"Undercurrent" on DVD (part of Katharine Hepburn Collection)

The Locket (1947)
As Norman Clyde, Mitchum plays the tortured ex-boyfriend of kleptomaniac Nancy Blaire (Laraine Day).
"The Locket " on DVD [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL ]

Out of the Past (1947)
Here, Robert Mitchum plays ex-detective Jeff, a guy in a small town with a nice girl, just trying to forget his sordid past, but it catches up with him in the form of Whit Sterling (Kirk Douglas), head of a racket, who had previously hired him to find his woman, Kathy (Jane Greer), the ultimate femme fatale.
"Out of the Past" on DVD

Crossfire (1947)
As Keeley, Mitchum helps root out a rascist killer out of a group of army buddies on leave.
"Crossfire" VIDEO ON DEMAND
"Crossfire" on DVD

Where Danger Lives (1950) -- Mitchum plays Jeff Cameron, a doctor who dumps his girl to go after Margo, who is married to a man played by Claude Rains. He doesn't realize the extent of her mental illness until things have gone way too far.

His Kind of Woman (1951)
He plays Dan Milner, a gambler fresh from jail, sent to Mexico to be an unwitting patsy in a complicated setup. He is attracted to Lenore (Jane Russell), who is besot with her own set of troubles.
"His Kind of Woman" on DVD

The Racket (1951)
As a tough and honest cop, Captain McQuigg (Mitchum) goes after big bully mobster (Robert Ryan). Despite multiple threats of violence and/or transfers to boring beats, McQuigg appears utterly laid back and relaxed while unrelentlessly going after the mobster.
"The Racket" on DVD

Macao (1952)
Mitchum plays Nick Cochran, an ex-GI who doesn't suspect the danger he's in when the local casino owner thinks he (Cochran) is an undercover detective after him for murder. He also gets mixed up with beautiful fellow American (Jane Russell) in the exotic locale of Macao.
"Macao" on DVD

Angel Face (1953)
As Frank Jessup, he plays an ambulance driver who becomes obsessively attracted to a rich dame (Jean Simmons) despite the fact that he knows she wants to kill her stepmother. (and not just figuratively speaking)
"Angel Face" on DVD

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