On Dangerous Ground [1952]

1. Every time I see this movie I like Robert Ryan even more as an actor. And this time I noticed how few lines of dialog he really has. He makes every line count. For instance, talking to Ward Bond, “I told you! We’d better have a look around.” Between the first sentence and the second sentence his attitude and mood completely change. He starts out as enraged, violent even, ready to throw a punch; and on a dime he becomes business-like, sober, wearied.
2. Ward Bond looks at him with surly contempt. Robert Ryan returns the look with a hardened smile. What does that smile mean?
3. There is already a track of tears visible on Ida Lupino’s face as she begins to pray.