Nicholas Ray is a director who’s legacy has been preserved by writers and students that became major directors. He truly is an inspirational figure. Jean-Luc Godard declared, “Cinema is Nicholas Ray.” Toward the end of his career, Ray taught at NYU’s film school. His students such as Jim Jaramusch sing his praises. Fellow NYU instructor Martin Scorsese also lists him among his big influences for making Johnny Guitar and Bigger Than Life. For many viewers, Ray is known for directing James Dean’s Rebel Without A Cause. Born to Be Bad is an early film in Ray’s career, but reveals his experienced eye capturing uncontrollable characters.
The melodrama is about raw ambition found in Christabel (Rebecca‘s Joan Fontaine). Donna Foster (Joan Leslie) agrees to let her boss’ niece stay at her place in San Francisco. Little does she know that her new roomie is a hurricane. She’s looking to get her MRS degree without going to school. Christabel openly flirts with Donna’s rich fiance (Zachary Scott). She’s chums for attention to get writer Nick Bradley (The Wild Bunch‘s Robert Ryan) to also become her toy. Ultimately she wants Donna’s man since it’s better to be married to money than a typewriter. Although she also wants her writer on the side. She does her wicked best to sabotage Donna and her man. Will they all be pawns in her game of social climbing and bed hopping?
Born to be Bad lives up to the title. Joan Fontaine is ruthless in her using and abusing. Robert Ryan knows how to play the tool. Nicholas Ray delivers as much tawdriness as allowed on the big screen in 1950. There’s a reason why he’s praised.
The video is 1.33:1. The black and white transfer has a glow that reflects the sophistication of the parties. The audio is Dolby Digital mono. The only crackles heard are from her trail of destruction.
Trailer (2:10) sells this as a tale of sophisticated romance.
Alternate Ending (16:02) is a different version of the final real. This is amazing that the footage has survived the decades rather than being a tossed during a vault cleaning effort.
Born to Be Bad is an devious melodrama about a woman that wants it all no matter who has it.
Warner Archive presents Born to Be Bad. Directed by: Nicholas Ray. Screenplay by: Edith R. Sommer. Starring: Joan Fontaine, Robert Ryan and Joan Leslie. Running Time: 90 minutes. Rating: Unrated. Released: September 20, 2012. Available at WbShop.com.
