Bad Day at Black Rock - Revision history

Ser Amantio di Nicolao: /* External links */ add Category:English-language crime drama films

2024-09-17T05:22:07Z

External links: add Category:English-language crime drama films

← Previous revision		Revision as of 05:22, 17 September 2024
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	[[Category:English-language Western (genre) films]]		[[Category:English-language Western (genre) films]]
	[[Category:Social thriller films]]		[[Category:Social thriller films]]
			[[Category:English-language crime drama films]]

Milladrive at 00:12, 12 September 2024

2024-09-12T00:12:49Z

← Previous revision		Revision as of 00:12, 12 September 2024
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	''Bad Day at Black Rock'' originated as a short story by [[Howard Breslin]] with full-color illustrations by [[Robert Fawcett]].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Author Breslin Succumbs at 51 \|work=Los Angeles Times \|date=May 31, 1964}}</ref> Titled "Bad Time at Honda", it was published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947.<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Breslin \|first=Howard \|title=Bad Time at Honda \|journal=The American Magazine \|date=January 1947 \|volume=143 \|page=40}}</ref><ref name="Densho">{{cite encyclopedia \|url=http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Bad_Day_at_Black_Rock_(film)/ \|last=Niiya \|first=Brian \|title=Bad Day at Black Rock \|encyclopedia=Densho Encyclopedia \|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> It was adapted into a script by [[Don McGuire (actor)\|Don McGuire]] and pitched to [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] production head [[Dore Schary]], who was known for championing films that addressed social problems. Schary had previously produced ''[[Go for Broke! (1951 film)\|Go for Broke!]]'' (1951), based on the exploits of the segregated Japanese-American [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="Densho"/><ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro to Stress Big-Budget Films \|work=New York Times \|date=August 7, 1953}}</ref> Breslin novelized the script, using the pseudonym Michael Niall. His book was published in 1954 by [[Fawcett Publications]].{{sfn\|Streamas\|2003\|p=114}}<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/31/archives/howard-breslin-novelist-51-dead-author-of-tamarack-tree-gave-up.html \|title=Howard Breslin, Novelist, 51, Dead; Author of 'Tamarack Tree' Gave Up Success in Radio \|work=New York Times \|date=May 31, 1964 \|access-date=June 3, 2022}}</ref>		''Bad Day at Black Rock'' originated as a short story by [[Howard Breslin]] with full-color illustrations by [[Robert Fawcett]].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Author Breslin Succumbs at 51 \|work=Los Angeles Times \|date=May 31, 1964}}</ref> Titled "Bad Time at Honda", it was published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947.<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Breslin \|first=Howard \|title=Bad Time at Honda \|journal=The American Magazine \|date=January 1947 \|volume=143 \|page=40}}</ref><ref name="Densho">{{cite encyclopedia \|url=http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Bad_Day_at_Black_Rock_(film)/ \|last=Niiya \|first=Brian \|title=Bad Day at Black Rock \|encyclopedia=Densho Encyclopedia \|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> It was adapted into a script by [[Don McGuire (actor)\|Don McGuire]] and pitched to [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] production head [[Dore Schary]], who was known for championing films that addressed social problems. Schary had previously produced ''[[Go for Broke! (1951 film)\|Go for Broke!]]'' (1951), based on the exploits of the segregated Japanese-American [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="Densho"/><ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro to Stress Big-Budget Films \|work=New York Times \|date=August 7, 1953}}</ref> Breslin novelized the script, using the pseudonym Michael Niall. His book was published in 1954 by [[Fawcett Publications]].{{sfn\|Streamas\|2003\|p=114}}<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/31/archives/howard-breslin-novelist-51-dead-author-of-tamarack-tree-gave-up.html \|title=Howard Breslin, Novelist, 51, Dead; Author of 'Tamarack Tree' Gave Up Success in Radio \|work=New York Times \|date=May 31, 1964 \|access-date=June 3, 2022}}</ref>

	Schary acquired the film rights for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, but he hired [[Millard Kaufman]] to rewrite McGuire's script. The producers were worried about the title because "Bad Time at Honda" was similar to ''[[Hondo (film)\|Hondo]]'', recently made with [[John Wayne]]. Kaufman suggested changing the name of the town to Black Rock, after a real town in Arizona. Kaufman finished the script in ~~the~~ fall of 1953.<ref name="Densho"/>		Schary acquired the film rights for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, but he hired [[Millard Kaufman]] to rewrite McGuire's script. The producers were worried about the title because "Bad Time at Honda" was similar to ''[[Hondo (film)\|Hondo]]'', recently made with [[John Wayne]]. Kaufman suggested changing the name of the town to Black Rock, after a real town in Arizona. Kaufman finished the script in fall 1953.<ref name="Densho"/>

	Although [[Spencer Tracy]] was 54 and much older than the platoon leader in the original story, Schary wanted Tracy to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro Eyes Tracy For Western Lead \|work=New York Times \|date=August 13, 1953}}</ref> [[John Sturges]] was hired as director in June 1954, and shooting began the following month near [[Lone Pine, California]], where the small town set had been quickly constructed.<ref name="Densho" /> Just before shooting began, an indecisive Tracy tried to back out of the picture. Schary made clear that he was willing to sue the actor if he quit the film. ''Bad Day at Black Rock'' was Tracy's final film for MGM, with the exception of ''[[How the West Was Won (film)\|How the West Was Won]]'' (1963), for which he supplied the narration.{{sfn\|Andersen\|1997\|p=243}}		Although [[Spencer Tracy]] was 54 and much older than the platoon leader in the original story, Schary wanted Tracy to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro Eyes Tracy For Western Lead \|work=New York Times \|date=August 13, 1953}}</ref> [[John Sturges]] was hired as director in June 1954, and shooting began the following month near [[Lone Pine, California]], where the small town set had been quickly constructed.<ref name="Densho" /> Just before shooting began, an indecisive Tracy tried to back out of the picture. Schary made clear that he was willing to sue the actor if he quit the film. ''Bad Day at Black Rock'' was Tracy's final film for MGM, with the exception of ''[[How the West Was Won (film)\|How the West Was Won]]'' (1963), for which he supplied the narration.{{sfn\|Andersen\|1997\|p=243}}

Milladrive: General copyediting

2024-09-12T00:09:34Z

General copyediting

Show changes

Heatherawalls: Revised "Hondo" to "Honda" as shown in the poster

2024-09-08T19:46:28Z

Revised "Hondo" to "Honda" as shown in the poster

← Previous revision		Revision as of 19:46, 8 September 2024
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	'''''Bad Day at Black Rock''''' is a 1955 American [[film noir]] [[Contemporary Western\|neo-Western]] film directed by [[John Sturges]] with screenplay by [[Millard Kaufman]]. It stars [[Spencer Tracy]] and [[Robert Ryan]] with support from [[Anne Francis]], [[Dean Jagger]], [[Walter Brennan]], [[John Ericson]], [[Ernest Borgnine]] and [[Lee Marvin]]. The film is a [[crime drama]] set in 1945 that contains elements of the [[revisionist Western]] genre. In the plot, a one-armed stranger (Tracy) comes to a small desert town and uncovers an evil secret that has corrupted the entire community.		'''''Bad Day at Black Rock''''' is a 1955 American [[film noir]] [[Contemporary Western\|neo-Western]] film directed by [[John Sturges]] with screenplay by [[Millard Kaufman]]. It stars [[Spencer Tracy]] and [[Robert Ryan]] with support from [[Anne Francis]], [[Dean Jagger]], [[Walter Brennan]], [[John Ericson]], [[Ernest Borgnine]] and [[Lee Marvin]]. The film is a [[crime drama]] set in 1945 that contains elements of the [[revisionist Western]] genre. In the plot, a one-armed stranger (Tracy) comes to a small desert town and uncovers an evil secret that has corrupted the entire community.

	The film was based on a short story called "Bad Time at ~~Hondo~~" by [[Howard Breslin]], published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947. Filming began in July 1954 and the movie went on national release in January 1955. It was a box office success and was nominated for three [[28th Academy Awards\|Academy Awards]] in 1956. In 2018, it was selected for preservation in the United States [[National Film Registry]] by the [[Library of Congress]] as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".<ref name="NFRL">{{cite web \|url=https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/ \|title=Complete National Film Registry Listing \|website=Library of Congress \|access-date=September 16, 2020}}</ref><ref name="NFR30">{{cite web \|url=https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-18-144/library-of-congress-national-film-registry-turns-30/2018-12-12/ \|title=National Film Registry Turns 30 \|website=Library of Congress \|access-date=September 16, 2020}}</ref>		The film was based on a short story called "Bad Time at Honda" by [[Howard Breslin]], published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947. Filming began in July 1954 and the movie went on national release in January 1955. It was a box office success and was nominated for three [[28th Academy Awards\|Academy Awards]] in 1956. In 2018, it was selected for preservation in the United States [[National Film Registry]] by the [[Library of Congress]] as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".<ref name="NFRL">{{cite web \|url=https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/ \|title=Complete National Film Registry Listing \|website=Library of Congress \|access-date=September 16, 2020}}</ref><ref name="NFR30">{{cite web \|url=https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-18-144/library-of-congress-national-film-registry-turns-30/2018-12-12/ \|title=National Film Registry Turns 30 \|website=Library of Congress \|access-date=September 16, 2020}}</ref>

	==Plot==		==Plot==
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	==Production==		==Production==
	[[File:Bad-Time-at-Honda-1.jpg\|thumb\|upright=1.5\|[[Robert Fawcett]] illustrated ''[[The American Magazine]]'' printing of "Bad Time at Honda", a 1947 short story by [[Howard Breslin]] that was adapted for the film.]]		[[File:Bad-Time-at-Honda-1.jpg\|thumb\|upright=1.5\|[[Robert Fawcett]] illustrated ''[[The American Magazine]]'' printing of "Bad Time at Honda", a 1947 short story by [[Howard Breslin]] that was adapted for the film.]]
	''Bad Day at Black Rock'' originated as a short story by [[Howard Breslin]] with full-color illustrations by [[Robert Fawcett]].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Author Breslin Succumbs at 51 \|work=Los Angeles Times \|date=May 31, 1964}}</ref> Entitled "Bad Time at ~~Hondo~~", it was published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947.<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Breslin \|first=Howard \|title=Bad Time at Honda \|journal=The American Magazine \|date=January 1947 \|volume=143 \|page=40}}</ref><ref name="Densho">{{cite encyclopedia \|url=http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Bad_Day_at_Black_Rock_(film)/ \|last=Niiya \|first=Brian \|title=Bad Day at Black Rock \|encyclopedia=Densho Encyclopedia \|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> It was adapted into a script by [[Don McGuire (actor)\|Don McGuire]] and pitched to [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] production head [[Dore Schary]], who was known for championing films that addressed social problems. Schary had previously produced ''[[Go for Broke! (1951 film)\|Go for Broke!]]'' (1951), based on the exploits of the segregated Japanese-American [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="Densho"/><ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro to Stress Big-Budget Films \|work=New York Times \|date=August 7, 1953}}</ref> Breslin novelised the script, using the pseudonym Michael Niall. His book was published in 1954 by [[Fawcett Publications]].{{sfn\|Streamas\|2003\|p=114}}<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/31/archives/howard-breslin-novelist-51-dead-author-of-tamarack-tree-gave-up.html \|title=Howard Breslin, Novelist, 51, Dead; Author of 'Tamarack Tree' Gave Up Success in Radio \|work=New York Times \|date=May 31, 1964 \|access-date=June 3, 2022}}</ref>		''Bad Day at Black Rock'' originated as a short story by [[Howard Breslin]] with full-color illustrations by [[Robert Fawcett]].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Author Breslin Succumbs at 51 \|work=Los Angeles Times \|date=May 31, 1964}}</ref> Entitled "Bad Time at Honda", it was published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947.<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Breslin \|first=Howard \|title=Bad Time at Honda \|journal=The American Magazine \|date=January 1947 \|volume=143 \|page=40}}</ref><ref name="Densho">{{cite encyclopedia \|url=http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Bad_Day_at_Black_Rock_(film)/ \|last=Niiya \|first=Brian \|title=Bad Day at Black Rock \|encyclopedia=Densho Encyclopedia \|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> It was adapted into a script by [[Don McGuire (actor)\|Don McGuire]] and pitched to [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] production head [[Dore Schary]], who was known for championing films that addressed social problems. Schary had previously produced ''[[Go for Broke! (1951 film)\|Go for Broke!]]'' (1951), based on the exploits of the segregated Japanese-American [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="Densho"/><ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro to Stress Big-Budget Films \|work=New York Times \|date=August 7, 1953}}</ref> Breslin novelised the script, using the pseudonym Michael Niall. His book was published in 1954 by [[Fawcett Publications]].{{sfn\|Streamas\|2003\|p=114}}<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/31/archives/howard-breslin-novelist-51-dead-author-of-tamarack-tree-gave-up.html \|title=Howard Breslin, Novelist, 51, Dead; Author of 'Tamarack Tree' Gave Up Success in Radio \|work=New York Times \|date=May 31, 1964 \|access-date=June 3, 2022}}</ref>

	Schary acquired the film rights for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, but he hired [[Millard Kaufman]] to rewrite McGuire's script. The producers were worried about the title because "Bad Time at ~~Hondo~~" was similar to ''[[Hondo (film)\|Hondo]]'', recently made by [[John Wayne]]. Kaufman suggested changing the name of the town to Black Rock, after a real town in Arizona. Kaufman finished the script in the fall of 1953.<ref name="Densho"/> Although [[Spencer Tracy]] was 54 and much older than the platoon leader in the original story, Schary wanted Tracy to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro Eyes Tracy For Western Lead \|work=New York Times \|date=August 13, 1953}}</ref> [[John Sturges]] was hired as director in June 1954 and shooting began the following month near [[Lone Pine, California]], where the small town set had been quickly constructed.<ref name="Densho"/> Just before shooting began, an indecisive Tracy tried to back out of the picture. Schary made clear that he was willing to sue the actor if he quit the film. ''Bad Day at Black Rock'' was Tracy's final film for MGM, with the exception of ''[[How the West Was Won (film)\|How the West Was Won]]'' (1963), for which he supplied the narration.{{sfn\|Andersen\|1997\|p=243}} Budget for the film was $1.3 million and it was shot in color using [[Cinemascope]] as Schary thought widescreen would emphasize the menace of the isolated town. Temperatures on location were over {{convert\|100\|°F\|°C}}. On August 9, the cast and crew moved to the MGM studio lot in [[Culver City]]. [[André Previn]] was hired to write the score.<ref name="Densho"/>		Schary acquired the film rights for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, but he hired [[Millard Kaufman]] to rewrite McGuire's script. The producers were worried about the title because "Bad Time at Honda" was similar to ''[[Hondo (film)\|Hondo]]'', recently made by [[John Wayne]]. Kaufman suggested changing the name of the town to Black Rock, after a real town in Arizona. Kaufman finished the script in the fall of 1953.<ref name="Densho"/> Although [[Spencer Tracy]] was 54 and much older than the platoon leader in the original story, Schary wanted Tracy to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro Eyes Tracy For Western Lead \|work=New York Times \|date=August 13, 1953}}</ref> [[John Sturges]] was hired as director in June 1954 and shooting began the following month near [[Lone Pine, California]], where the small town set had been quickly constructed.<ref name="Densho"/> Just before shooting began, an indecisive Tracy tried to back out of the picture. Schary made clear that he was willing to sue the actor if he quit the film. ''Bad Day at Black Rock'' was Tracy's final film for MGM, with the exception of ''[[How the West Was Won (film)\|How the West Was Won]]'' (1963), for which he supplied the narration.{{sfn\|Andersen\|1997\|p=243}} Budget for the film was $1.3 million and it was shot in color using [[Cinemascope]] as Schary thought widescreen would emphasize the menace of the isolated town. Temperatures on location were over {{convert\|100\|°F\|°C}}. On August 9, the cast and crew moved to the MGM studio lot in [[Culver City]]. [[André Previn]] was hired to write the score.<ref name="Densho"/>

	While the film is essentially a [[crime drama]] set in 1945, it is recognized as a [[Contemporary Western\|neo-Western]] with strong links to the [[revisionist Western]] genre.{{sfn\|Newman\|1990\|p=198}} The premiere was at Loew's 72nd Street Theater in [[New York City]] on December 8, 1954. The film went on national release in January 1955.<ref name="Densho"/> According to MGM records, it earned US$1,966,000 in the US and Canada and $1,822,000 elsewhere, making the studio a profit of $947,000.<ref name="Mannix"/>		While the film is essentially a [[crime drama]] set in 1945, it is recognized as a [[Contemporary Western\|neo-Western]] with strong links to the [[revisionist Western]] genre.{{sfn\|Newman\|1990\|p=198}} The premiere was at Loew's 72nd Street Theater in [[New York City]] on December 8, 1954. The film went on national release in January 1955.<ref name="Densho"/> According to MGM records, it earned US$1,966,000 in the US and Canada and $1,822,000 elsewhere, making the studio a profit of $947,000.<ref name="Mannix"/>

Mellamelina: /* External links */

2024-09-07T15:41:02Z

External links

← Previous revision		Revision as of 15:41, 7 September 2024
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	[[Category:United States National Film Registry films]]		[[Category:United States National Film Registry films]]
	[[Category:English-language Western (genre) films]]		[[Category:English-language Western (genre) films]]
			[[Category:Social thriller films]]

Ser Amantio di Nicolao: /* External links */ add Category:English-language Western (genre) films

2024-09-06T05:11:51Z

External links: add Category:English-language Western (genre) films

← Previous revision		Revision as of 05:11, 6 September 2024
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	[[Category:Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films]]		[[Category:Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films]]
	[[Category:United States National Film Registry films]]		[[Category:United States National Film Registry films]]
			[[Category:English-language Western (genre) films]]

Literally Satan: /* Plot */

2024-08-11T01:40:58Z

Plot

← Previous revision		Revision as of 01:40, 11 August 2024
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	After Smith and Hector leave, Macreedy reveals that the loss of his arm had left him wallowing in self-pity, but Trimble's attempt to kill him has reinvigorated him. Macreedy finally reveals that Komoko's son died in combat (with the [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Infantry Regiment]]) while saving his life. Macreedy came to give the man's medal to Komoko. Macreedy learns that the elder Komoko had leased some farmland from Smith, who was sure there was no water. Komoko dug a well and found water. After Smith was rejected for military service, he and the other men got to drinking, then decided to scare Komoko. The old man barricaded himself inside his home, but the men set it on fire. When Komoko emerged ablaze, Smith shot and killed him.		After Smith and Hector leave, Macreedy reveals that the loss of his arm had left him wallowing in self-pity, but Trimble's attempt to kill him has reinvigorated him. Macreedy finally reveals that Komoko's son died in combat (with the [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Infantry Regiment]]) while saving his life. Macreedy came to give the man's medal to Komoko. Macreedy learns that the elder Komoko had leased some farmland from Smith, who was sure there was no water. Komoko dug a well and found water. After Smith was rejected for military service, he and the other men got to drinking, then decided to scare Komoko. The old man barricaded himself inside his home, but the men set it on fire. When Komoko emerged ablaze, Smith shot and killed him.

	Doc and Pete enlist Liz to help Macreedy escape under cover of darkness. Hector is standing guard outside the hotel; Pete lures him into the office, where Doc Velie knocks him unconscious. Liz drives Macreedy out of town, but stops at Adobe Flat. Macreedy realizes he has been set up. When Smith starts shooting at him, Macreedy shelters behind the Jeep. Liz rushes to Smith despite Macreedy's warning. Smith tells her that she has to die along with the rest of his accomplices, and shoots her in the back as she flees. Macreedy finds a bottle and fills it with ~~petrol~~ from the Jeep. When Smith climbs down for a better shot, Macreedy throws the [[Molotov cocktail]], setting Smith on fire. Macreedy drives back to town with Smith and Liz's body. The state police are called in and several arrests are made. As Macreedy is leaving, Velie requests Komoko's medal to help Black Rock heal. Macreedy gives it to him just before boarding the train.		Doc and Pete enlist Liz to help Macreedy escape under cover of darkness. Hector is standing guard outside the hotel; Pete lures him into the office, where Doc Velie knocks him unconscious. Liz drives Macreedy out of town, but stops at Adobe Flat. Macreedy realizes he has been set up. When Smith starts shooting at him, Macreedy shelters behind the Jeep. Liz rushes to Smith despite Macreedy's warning. Smith tells her that she has to die along with the rest of his accomplices, and shoots her in the back as she flees. Macreedy finds a bottle and fills it with gasoline from the Jeep. When Smith climbs down for a better shot, Macreedy throws the [[Molotov cocktail]], setting Smith on fire. Macreedy drives back to town with Smith and Liz's body. The state police are called in and several arrests are made. As Macreedy is leaving, Velie requests Komoko's medal to help Black Rock heal. Macreedy gives it to him just before boarding the train.

	==Cast==		==Cast==

2601:1C2:4680:48C0:7C0E:F7BC:7B4A:CE0A at 17:56, 28 July 2024

2024-07-28T17:56:33Z

← Previous revision		Revision as of 17:56, 28 July 2024
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	==Production==		==Production==
	[[File:Bad-Time-at-Honda-1.jpg\|thumb\|upright=1.5\|[[Robert Fawcett]] illustrated ''[[The American Magazine]]'' printing of "Bad Time at Honda", a 1947 short story by [[Howard Breslin]] that was adapted for the film.]]		[[File:Bad-Time-at-Honda-1.jpg\|thumb\|upright=1.5\|[[Robert Fawcett]] illustrated ''[[The American Magazine]]'' printing of "Bad Time at Honda", a 1947 short story by [[Howard Breslin]] that was adapted for the film.]]
	''Bad Day at Black Rock'' originated as a short story by [[Howard Breslin]] with full-color illustrations by [[Robert Fawcett]].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Author Breslin Succumbs at 51 \|work=Los Angeles Times \|date=May 31, 1964}}</ref> Entitled "Bad Time at Hondo", it was published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947.<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Breslin \|first=Howard \|title=Bad Time at Honda \|journal=The American Magazine \|date=January 1947 \|volume=143 \|page=40}}</ref><ref name="Densho">{{cite encyclopedia \|url=http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Bad_Day_at_Black_Rock_(film)/ \|last=Niiya \|first=Brian \|title=Bad Day at Black Rock \|encyclopedia=Densho Encyclopedia \|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> It was adapted into a script by [[Don McGuire (actor)\|Don McGuire]] and pitched to [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer~~\|MGM~~]] production head [[Dore Schary]], who was known for championing films that addressed social problems. Schary had previously produced ''[[Go for Broke! (1951 film)\|Go for Broke!]]'' (1951), based on the exploits of the segregated Japanese-American [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="Densho"/><ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro to Stress Big-Budget Films \|work=New York Times \|date=August 7, 1953}}</ref> Breslin novelised the script, using the pseudonym Michael Niall. His book was published in 1954 by [[Fawcett Publications]].{{sfn\|Streamas\|2003\|p=114}}<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/31/archives/howard-breslin-novelist-51-dead-author-of-tamarack-tree-gave-up.html \|title=Howard Breslin, Novelist, 51, Dead; Author of 'Tamarack Tree' Gave Up Success in Radio \|work=New York Times \|date=May 31, 1964 \|access-date=June 3, 2022}}</ref>		''Bad Day at Black Rock'' originated as a short story by [[Howard Breslin]] with full-color illustrations by [[Robert Fawcett]].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Author Breslin Succumbs at 51 \|work=Los Angeles Times \|date=May 31, 1964}}</ref> Entitled "Bad Time at Hondo", it was published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947.<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Breslin \|first=Howard \|title=Bad Time at Honda \|journal=The American Magazine \|date=January 1947 \|volume=143 \|page=40}}</ref><ref name="Densho">{{cite encyclopedia \|url=http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Bad_Day_at_Black_Rock_(film)/ \|last=Niiya \|first=Brian \|title=Bad Day at Black Rock \|encyclopedia=Densho Encyclopedia \|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> It was adapted into a script by [[Don McGuire (actor)\|Don McGuire]] and pitched to [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] production head [[Dore Schary]], who was known for championing films that addressed social problems. Schary had previously produced ''[[Go for Broke! (1951 film)\|Go for Broke!]]'' (1951), based on the exploits of the segregated Japanese-American [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="Densho"/><ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro to Stress Big-Budget Films \|work=New York Times \|date=August 7, 1953}}</ref> Breslin novelised the script, using the pseudonym Michael Niall. His book was published in 1954 by [[Fawcett Publications]].{{sfn\|Streamas\|2003\|p=114}}<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/31/archives/howard-breslin-novelist-51-dead-author-of-tamarack-tree-gave-up.html \|title=Howard Breslin, Novelist, 51, Dead; Author of 'Tamarack Tree' Gave Up Success in Radio \|work=New York Times \|date=May 31, 1964 \|access-date=June 3, 2022}}</ref>

	Schary acquired the film rights for [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]], but he hired [[Millard Kaufman]] to rewrite McGuire's script. The producers were worried about the title because "Bad Time at Hondo" was similar to ''[[Hondo (film)\|Hondo]]'', recently made by [[John Wayne]]. Kaufman suggested changing the name of the town to Black Rock, after a real town in Arizona. Kaufman finished the script in the fall of 1953.<ref name="Densho"/> Although [[Spencer Tracy]] was 54 and much older than the platoon leader in the original story, Schary wanted Tracy to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro Eyes Tracy For Western Lead \|work=New York Times \|date=August 13, 1953}}</ref> [[John Sturges]] was hired as director in June 1954 and shooting began the following month near [[Lone Pine, California]], where the small town set had been quickly constructed.<ref name="Densho"/> Just before shooting began, an indecisive Tracy tried to back out of the picture. Schary made clear that he was willing to sue the actor if he quit the film. ''Bad Day at Black Rock'' was Tracy's final film for MGM, with the exception of ''[[How the West Was Won (film)\|How the West Was Won]]'' (1963), for which he supplied the narration.{{sfn\|Andersen\|1997\|p=243}} Budget for the film was $1.3 million and it was shot in color using [[Cinemascope]] as Schary thought widescreen would emphasize the menace of the isolated town. Temperatures on location were over {{convert\|100\|°F\|°C}}. On August 9, the cast and crew moved to the MGM studio lot in [[Culver City]]. [[André Previn]] was hired to write the score.<ref name="Densho"/>		Schary acquired the film rights for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, but he hired [[Millard Kaufman]] to rewrite McGuire's script. The producers were worried about the title because "Bad Time at Hondo" was similar to ''[[Hondo (film)\|Hondo]]'', recently made by [[John Wayne]]. Kaufman suggested changing the name of the town to Black Rock, after a real town in Arizona. Kaufman finished the script in the fall of 1953.<ref name="Densho"/> Although [[Spencer Tracy]] was 54 and much older than the platoon leader in the original story, Schary wanted Tracy to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro Eyes Tracy For Western Lead \|work=New York Times \|date=August 13, 1953}}</ref> [[John Sturges]] was hired as director in June 1954 and shooting began the following month near [[Lone Pine, California]], where the small town set had been quickly constructed.<ref name="Densho"/> Just before shooting began, an indecisive Tracy tried to back out of the picture. Schary made clear that he was willing to sue the actor if he quit the film. ''Bad Day at Black Rock'' was Tracy's final film for MGM, with the exception of ''[[How the West Was Won (film)\|How the West Was Won]]'' (1963), for which he supplied the narration.{{sfn\|Andersen\|1997\|p=243}} Budget for the film was $1.3 million and it was shot in color using [[Cinemascope]] as Schary thought widescreen would emphasize the menace of the isolated town. Temperatures on location were over {{convert\|100\|°F\|°C}}. On August 9, the cast and crew moved to the MGM studio lot in [[Culver City]]. [[André Previn]] was hired to write the score.<ref name="Densho"/>

	While the film is essentially a [[crime drama]] set in 1945, it is recognized as a [[Contemporary Western\|neo-Western]] with strong links to the [[revisionist Western]] genre.{{sfn\|Newman\|1990\|p=198}} The premiere was at Loew's 72nd Street Theater in [[New York City]] on December 8, 1954. The film went on national release in January 1955.<ref name="Densho"/> According to MGM records, it earned US$1,966,000 in the US and Canada and $1,822,000 elsewhere, making the studio a profit of $947,000.<ref name="Mannix"/>		While the film is essentially a [[crime drama]] set in 1945, it is recognized as a [[Contemporary Western\|neo-Western]] with strong links to the [[revisionist Western]] genre.{{sfn\|Newman\|1990\|p=198}} The premiere was at Loew's 72nd Street Theater in [[New York City]] on December 8, 1954. The film went on national release in January 1955.<ref name="Densho"/> According to MGM records, it earned US$1,966,000 in the US and Canada and $1,822,000 elsewhere, making the studio a profit of $947,000.<ref name="Mannix"/>

Dan Conlin: /* Plot */

2024-07-28T03:25:04Z

Plot

← Previous revision		Revision as of 03:25, 28 July 2024
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	==Plot==		==Plot==
	[[File:Tracy Bad Day at Black Rock Color Still 1955.jpg\|thumb\|left\|Macreedy (Spencer Tracy) is told by Wirth ([[John Ericson]]) there are no hotel rooms available.]]		[[File:Tracy Bad Day at Black Rock Color Still 1955.jpg\|thumb\|left\|Macreedy (Spencer Tracy) is told by Wirth ([[John Ericson]]) there are no hotel rooms available.]]
	In late 1945, one-armed John J. Macreedy gets off a train at the isolated [[Deserts of California\|Californian desert]] hamlet of Black Rock. The residents are suspicious, as this is the first time in four years that [[~~Request~~ ~~stop~~\|~~the~~ train has stopped]] ~~there~~. After Macreedy states he is looking for a man named Komoko, several of the local men become hostile. Hastings, the telegraph agent, tells him there are no cabs; the hotel desk clerk, Pete Wirth, claims he has no vacant rooms; and Hector David threatens him. Later, Reno Smith informs Macreedy that Komoko, a Japanese-American, was [[Internment of Japanese Americans\|interned during World War II]].		In late 1945, one-armed John J. Macreedy gets off a train at the isolated [[Deserts of California\|Californian desert]] hamlet of Black Rock. The residents are suspicious, as this is the first time in four years that [[Limited express\|streamliner express train]] has stopped at the [[Request stop\|tiny flag stop station]]. After Macreedy states he is looking for a man named Komoko, several of the local men become hostile. Hastings, the telegraph agent, tells him there are no cabs; the hotel desk clerk, Pete Wirth, claims he has no vacant rooms; and Hector David threatens him. Later, Reno Smith informs Macreedy that Komoko, a Japanese-American, was [[Internment of Japanese Americans\|interned during World War II]].

	Macreedy visits the sheriff, Tim Horn, but the alcoholic lawman is of no help. The veterinarian and undertaker, Doc Velie, advises Macreedy to leave town immediately, but lets slip that Komoko is dead. Pete's sister Liz rents Macreedy a [[Jeep]]. He drives to nearby Adobe Flat, where he finds a homestead burned to the ground and wildflowers growing nearby. As Macreedy drives back, Coley Trimble tries to run him off the road. Macreedy tries to leave town, but Liz, having been confronted by Smith earlier, refuses to rent him the Jeep again. When Smith asks about his missing left arm, Macreedy says he lost it [[Italian Campaign (World War II)\|fighting in Italy]]. Macreedy says the wildflowers at the Komoko place make him suspect that a body is buried there. Smith reveals that he is virulently anti-Japanese; he tried to enlist the day after the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]], but failed the physical.		Macreedy visits the sheriff, Tim Horn, but the alcoholic lawman is of no help. The veterinarian and undertaker, Doc Velie, advises Macreedy to leave town immediately, but lets slip that Komoko is dead. Pete's sister Liz rents Macreedy a [[Jeep]]. He drives to nearby Adobe Flat, where he finds a homestead burned to the ground and wildflowers growing nearby. As Macreedy drives back, Coley Trimble tries to run him off the road. Macreedy tries to leave town, but Liz, having been confronted by Smith earlier, refuses to rent him the Jeep again. When Smith asks about his missing left arm, Macreedy says he lost it [[Italian Campaign (World War II)\|fighting in Italy]]. Macreedy says the wildflowers at the Komoko place make him suspect that a body is buried there. Smith reveals that he is virulently anti-Japanese; he tried to enlist the day after the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]], but failed the physical.

2601:1C2:4680:48C0:E882:B095:E39C:26F7: /* Production */

2024-07-26T15:44:49Z

Production

← Previous revision		Revision as of 15:44, 26 July 2024
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	''Bad Day at Black Rock'' originated as a short story by [[Howard Breslin]] with full-color illustrations by [[Robert Fawcett]].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Author Breslin Succumbs at 51 \|work=Los Angeles Times \|date=May 31, 1964}}</ref> Entitled "Bad Time at Hondo", it was published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947.<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Breslin \|first=Howard \|title=Bad Time at Honda \|journal=The American Magazine \|date=January 1947 \|volume=143 \|page=40}}</ref><ref name="Densho">{{cite encyclopedia \|url=http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Bad_Day_at_Black_Rock_(film)/ \|last=Niiya \|first=Brian \|title=Bad Day at Black Rock \|encyclopedia=Densho Encyclopedia \|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> It was adapted into a script by [[Don McGuire (actor)\|Don McGuire]] and pitched to [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer\|MGM]] production head [[Dore Schary]], who was known for championing films that addressed social problems. Schary had previously produced ''[[Go for Broke! (1951 film)\|Go for Broke!]]'' (1951), based on the exploits of the segregated Japanese-American [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="Densho"/><ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro to Stress Big-Budget Films \|work=New York Times \|date=August 7, 1953}}</ref> Breslin novelised the script, using the pseudonym Michael Niall. His book was published in 1954 by [[Fawcett Publications]].{{sfn\|Streamas\|2003\|p=114}}<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/31/archives/howard-breslin-novelist-51-dead-author-of-tamarack-tree-gave-up.html \|title=Howard Breslin, Novelist, 51, Dead; Author of 'Tamarack Tree' Gave Up Success in Radio \|work=New York Times \|date=May 31, 1964 \|access-date=June 3, 2022}}</ref>		''Bad Day at Black Rock'' originated as a short story by [[Howard Breslin]] with full-color illustrations by [[Robert Fawcett]].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Author Breslin Succumbs at 51 \|work=Los Angeles Times \|date=May 31, 1964}}</ref> Entitled "Bad Time at Hondo", it was published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947.<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Breslin \|first=Howard \|title=Bad Time at Honda \|journal=The American Magazine \|date=January 1947 \|volume=143 \|page=40}}</ref><ref name="Densho">{{cite encyclopedia \|url=http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Bad_Day_at_Black_Rock_(film)/ \|last=Niiya \|first=Brian \|title=Bad Day at Black Rock \|encyclopedia=Densho Encyclopedia \|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> It was adapted into a script by [[Don McGuire (actor)\|Don McGuire]] and pitched to [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer\|MGM]] production head [[Dore Schary]], who was known for championing films that addressed social problems. Schary had previously produced ''[[Go for Broke! (1951 film)\|Go for Broke!]]'' (1951), based on the exploits of the segregated Japanese-American [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="Densho"/><ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro to Stress Big-Budget Films \|work=New York Times \|date=August 7, 1953}}</ref> Breslin novelised the script, using the pseudonym Michael Niall. His book was published in 1954 by [[Fawcett Publications]].{{sfn\|Streamas\|2003\|p=114}}<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/31/archives/howard-breslin-novelist-51-dead-author-of-tamarack-tree-gave-up.html \|title=Howard Breslin, Novelist, 51, Dead; Author of 'Tamarack Tree' Gave Up Success in Radio \|work=New York Times \|date=May 31, 1964 \|access-date=June 3, 2022}}</ref>

	Schary acquired the film rights for [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]], but he hired [[Millard Kaufman]] to rewrite McGuire's script. The producers were worried about the title because "Bad Time at Hondo" was similar to ''[[Hondo (film)\|Hondo]]'', recently made by [[John Wayne]]. Kaufman suggested changing the name of the town to Black Rock, after a real town in Arizona. Kaufman finished the script in the fall of 1953.<ref name="Densho"/> Although [[Spencer Tracy]] was 54 and much older than the platoon leader in the original story, Schary wanted Tracy to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro Eyes Tracy For Western Lead \|work=New York Times \|date=August 13, 1953}}</ref> [[John Sturges]] was hired as director in June 1954 and shooting began the following month near [[Lone Pine, California]], where the small town set had been quickly constructed.<ref name="Densho"/> Just before shooting began, an indecisive Tracy tried to back out of the picture. Schary made clear that he was willing to sue the actor if he quit the film. ''Bad Day at Black Rock'' was Tracy's final film for MGM, with the exception of ''How the West ~~was~~ Won'' (1963), for which he supplied the narration.{{sfn\|Andersen\|1997\|p=243}} Budget for the film was $1.3 million and it was shot in color using [[Cinemascope]] as Schary thought widescreen would emphasize the menace of the isolated town. Temperatures on location were over {{convert\|100\|°F\|°C}}. On August 9, the cast and crew moved to the MGM studio lot in [[Culver City]]. [[André Previn]] was hired to write the score.<ref name="Densho"/>		Schary acquired the film rights for [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]], but he hired [[Millard Kaufman]] to rewrite McGuire's script. The producers were worried about the title because "Bad Time at Hondo" was similar to ''[[Hondo (film)\|Hondo]]'', recently made by [[John Wayne]]. Kaufman suggested changing the name of the town to Black Rock, after a real town in Arizona. Kaufman finished the script in the fall of 1953.<ref name="Densho"/> Although [[Spencer Tracy]] was 54 and much older than the platoon leader in the original story, Schary wanted Tracy to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro Eyes Tracy For Western Lead \|work=New York Times \|date=August 13, 1953}}</ref> [[John Sturges]] was hired as director in June 1954 and shooting began the following month near [[Lone Pine, California]], where the small town set had been quickly constructed.<ref name="Densho"/> Just before shooting began, an indecisive Tracy tried to back out of the picture. Schary made clear that he was willing to sue the actor if he quit the film. ''Bad Day at Black Rock'' was Tracy's final film for MGM, with the exception of ''[[How the West Was Won (film)\|How the West Was Won]]'' (1963), for which he supplied the narration.{{sfn\|Andersen\|1997\|p=243}} Budget for the film was $1.3 million and it was shot in color using [[Cinemascope]] as Schary thought widescreen would emphasize the menace of the isolated town. Temperatures on location were over {{convert\|100\|°F\|°C}}. On August 9, the cast and crew moved to the MGM studio lot in [[Culver City]]. [[André Previn]] was hired to write the score.<ref name="Densho"/>

	While the film is essentially a [[crime drama]] set in 1945, it is recognized as a [[Contemporary Western\|neo-Western]] with strong links to the [[revisionist Western]] genre.{{sfn\|Newman\|1990\|p=198}} The premiere was at Loew's 72nd Street Theater in [[New York City]] on December 8, 1954. The film went on national release in January 1955.<ref name="Densho"/> According to MGM records, it earned US$1,966,000 in the US and Canada and $1,822,000 elsewhere, making the studio a profit of $947,000.<ref name="Mannix"/>		While the film is essentially a [[crime drama]] set in 1945, it is recognized as a [[Contemporary Western\|neo-Western]] with strong links to the [[revisionist Western]] genre.{{sfn\|Newman\|1990\|p=198}} The premiere was at Loew's 72nd Street Theater in [[New York City]] on December 8, 1954. The film went on national release in January 1955.<ref name="Densho"/> According to MGM records, it earned US$1,966,000 in the US and Canada and $1,822,000 elsewhere, making the studio a profit of $947,000.<ref name="Mannix"/>

← Previous revision		Revision as of 00:12, 12 September 2024
Line 64:		Line 64:
	''Bad Day at Black Rock'' originated as a short story by [[Howard Breslin]] with full-color illustrations by [[Robert Fawcett]].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Author Breslin Succumbs at 51 \|work=Los Angeles Times \|date=May 31, 1964}}</ref> Titled "Bad Time at Honda", it was published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947.<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Breslin \|first=Howard \|title=Bad Time at Honda \|journal=The American Magazine \|date=January 1947 \|volume=143 \|page=40}}</ref><ref name="Densho">{{cite encyclopedia \|url=http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Bad_Day_at_Black_Rock_(film)/ \|last=Niiya \|first=Brian \|title=Bad Day at Black Rock \|encyclopedia=Densho Encyclopedia \|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> It was adapted into a script by [[Don McGuire (actor)\|Don McGuire]] and pitched to [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] production head [[Dore Schary]], who was known for championing films that addressed social problems. Schary had previously produced ''[[Go for Broke! (1951 film)\|Go for Broke!]]'' (1951), based on the exploits of the segregated Japanese-American [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="Densho"/><ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro to Stress Big-Budget Films \|work=New York Times \|date=August 7, 1953}}</ref> Breslin novelized the script, using the pseudonym Michael Niall. His book was published in 1954 by [[Fawcett Publications]].{{sfn\|Streamas\|2003\|p=114}}<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/31/archives/howard-breslin-novelist-51-dead-author-of-tamarack-tree-gave-up.html \|title=Howard Breslin, Novelist, 51, Dead; Author of 'Tamarack Tree' Gave Up Success in Radio \|work=New York Times \|date=May 31, 1964 \|access-date=June 3, 2022}}</ref>		''Bad Day at Black Rock'' originated as a short story by [[Howard Breslin]] with full-color illustrations by [[Robert Fawcett]].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Author Breslin Succumbs at 51 \|work=Los Angeles Times \|date=May 31, 1964}}</ref> Titled "Bad Time at Honda", it was published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947.<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Breslin \|first=Howard \|title=Bad Time at Honda \|journal=The American Magazine \|date=January 1947 \|volume=143 \|page=40}}</ref><ref name="Densho">{{cite encyclopedia \|url=http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Bad_Day_at_Black_Rock_(film)/ \|last=Niiya \|first=Brian \|title=Bad Day at Black Rock \|encyclopedia=Densho Encyclopedia \|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> It was adapted into a script by [[Don McGuire (actor)\|Don McGuire]] and pitched to [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] production head [[Dore Schary]], who was known for championing films that addressed social problems. Schary had previously produced ''[[Go for Broke! (1951 film)\|Go for Broke!]]'' (1951), based on the exploits of the segregated Japanese-American [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="Densho"/><ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro to Stress Big-Budget Films \|work=New York Times \|date=August 7, 1953}}</ref> Breslin novelized the script, using the pseudonym Michael Niall. His book was published in 1954 by [[Fawcett Publications]].{{sfn\|Streamas\|2003\|p=114}}<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/31/archives/howard-breslin-novelist-51-dead-author-of-tamarack-tree-gave-up.html \|title=Howard Breslin, Novelist, 51, Dead; Author of 'Tamarack Tree' Gave Up Success in Radio \|work=New York Times \|date=May 31, 1964 \|access-date=June 3, 2022}}</ref>

	Schary acquired the film rights for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, but he hired [[Millard Kaufman]] to rewrite McGuire's script. The producers were worried about the title because "Bad Time at Honda" was similar to ''[[Hondo (film)\|Hondo]]'', recently made with [[John Wayne]]. Kaufman suggested changing the name of the town to Black Rock, after a real town in Arizona. Kaufman finished the script in ~~the~~ fall of 1953.<ref name="Densho"/>		Schary acquired the film rights for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, but he hired [[Millard Kaufman]] to rewrite McGuire's script. The producers were worried about the title because "Bad Time at Honda" was similar to ''[[Hondo (film)\|Hondo]]'', recently made with [[John Wayne]]. Kaufman suggested changing the name of the town to Black Rock, after a real town in Arizona. Kaufman finished the script in fall 1953.<ref name="Densho"/>

	Although [[Spencer Tracy]] was 54 and much older than the platoon leader in the original story, Schary wanted Tracy to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro Eyes Tracy For Western Lead \|work=New York Times \|date=August 13, 1953}}</ref> [[John Sturges]] was hired as director in June 1954, and shooting began the following month near [[Lone Pine, California]], where the small town set had been quickly constructed.<ref name="Densho" /> Just before shooting began, an indecisive Tracy tried to back out of the picture. Schary made clear that he was willing to sue the actor if he quit the film. ''Bad Day at Black Rock'' was Tracy's final film for MGM, with the exception of ''[[How the West Was Won (film)\|How the West Was Won]]'' (1963), for which he supplied the narration.{{sfn\|Andersen\|1997\|p=243}}		Although [[Spencer Tracy]] was 54 and much older than the platoon leader in the original story, Schary wanted Tracy to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro Eyes Tracy For Western Lead \|work=New York Times \|date=August 13, 1953}}</ref> [[John Sturges]] was hired as director in June 1954, and shooting began the following month near [[Lone Pine, California]], where the small town set had been quickly constructed.<ref name="Densho" /> Just before shooting began, an indecisive Tracy tried to back out of the picture. Schary made clear that he was willing to sue the actor if he quit the film. ''Bad Day at Black Rock'' was Tracy's final film for MGM, with the exception of ''[[How the West Was Won (film)\|How the West Was Won]]'' (1963), for which he supplied the narration.{{sfn\|Andersen\|1997\|p=243}}

← Previous revision		Revision as of 19:46, 8 September 2024
Line 26:		Line 26:
	'''''Bad Day at Black Rock''''' is a 1955 American [[film noir]] [[Contemporary Western\|neo-Western]] film directed by [[John Sturges]] with screenplay by [[Millard Kaufman]]. It stars [[Spencer Tracy]] and [[Robert Ryan]] with support from [[Anne Francis]], [[Dean Jagger]], [[Walter Brennan]], [[John Ericson]], [[Ernest Borgnine]] and [[Lee Marvin]]. The film is a [[crime drama]] set in 1945 that contains elements of the [[revisionist Western]] genre. In the plot, a one-armed stranger (Tracy) comes to a small desert town and uncovers an evil secret that has corrupted the entire community.		'''''Bad Day at Black Rock''''' is a 1955 American [[film noir]] [[Contemporary Western\|neo-Western]] film directed by [[John Sturges]] with screenplay by [[Millard Kaufman]]. It stars [[Spencer Tracy]] and [[Robert Ryan]] with support from [[Anne Francis]], [[Dean Jagger]], [[Walter Brennan]], [[John Ericson]], [[Ernest Borgnine]] and [[Lee Marvin]]. The film is a [[crime drama]] set in 1945 that contains elements of the [[revisionist Western]] genre. In the plot, a one-armed stranger (Tracy) comes to a small desert town and uncovers an evil secret that has corrupted the entire community.

	The film was based on a short story called "Bad Time at ~~Hondo~~" by [[Howard Breslin]], published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947. Filming began in July 1954 and the movie went on national release in January 1955. It was a box office success and was nominated for three [[28th Academy Awards\|Academy Awards]] in 1956. In 2018, it was selected for preservation in the United States [[National Film Registry]] by the [[Library of Congress]] as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".<ref name="NFRL">{{cite web \|url=https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/ \|title=Complete National Film Registry Listing \|website=Library of Congress \|access-date=September 16, 2020}}</ref><ref name="NFR30">{{cite web \|url=https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-18-144/library-of-congress-national-film-registry-turns-30/2018-12-12/ \|title=National Film Registry Turns 30 \|website=Library of Congress \|access-date=September 16, 2020}}</ref>		The film was based on a short story called "Bad Time at Honda" by [[Howard Breslin]], published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947. Filming began in July 1954 and the movie went on national release in January 1955. It was a box office success and was nominated for three [[28th Academy Awards\|Academy Awards]] in 1956. In 2018, it was selected for preservation in the United States [[National Film Registry]] by the [[Library of Congress]] as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".<ref name="NFRL">{{cite web \|url=https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/ \|title=Complete National Film Registry Listing \|website=Library of Congress \|access-date=September 16, 2020}}</ref><ref name="NFR30">{{cite web \|url=https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-18-144/library-of-congress-national-film-registry-turns-30/2018-12-12/ \|title=National Film Registry Turns 30 \|website=Library of Congress \|access-date=September 16, 2020}}</ref>

	==Plot==		==Plot==
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	==Production==		==Production==
	[[File:Bad-Time-at-Honda-1.jpg\|thumb\|upright=1.5\|[[Robert Fawcett]] illustrated ''[[The American Magazine]]'' printing of "Bad Time at Honda", a 1947 short story by [[Howard Breslin]] that was adapted for the film.]]		[[File:Bad-Time-at-Honda-1.jpg\|thumb\|upright=1.5\|[[Robert Fawcett]] illustrated ''[[The American Magazine]]'' printing of "Bad Time at Honda", a 1947 short story by [[Howard Breslin]] that was adapted for the film.]]
	''Bad Day at Black Rock'' originated as a short story by [[Howard Breslin]] with full-color illustrations by [[Robert Fawcett]].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Author Breslin Succumbs at 51 \|work=Los Angeles Times \|date=May 31, 1964}}</ref> Entitled "Bad Time at ~~Hondo~~", it was published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947.<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Breslin \|first=Howard \|title=Bad Time at Honda \|journal=The American Magazine \|date=January 1947 \|volume=143 \|page=40}}</ref><ref name="Densho">{{cite encyclopedia \|url=http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Bad_Day_at_Black_Rock_(film)/ \|last=Niiya \|first=Brian \|title=Bad Day at Black Rock \|encyclopedia=Densho Encyclopedia \|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> It was adapted into a script by [[Don McGuire (actor)\|Don McGuire]] and pitched to [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] production head [[Dore Schary]], who was known for championing films that addressed social problems. Schary had previously produced ''[[Go for Broke! (1951 film)\|Go for Broke!]]'' (1951), based on the exploits of the segregated Japanese-American [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="Densho"/><ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro to Stress Big-Budget Films \|work=New York Times \|date=August 7, 1953}}</ref> Breslin novelised the script, using the pseudonym Michael Niall. His book was published in 1954 by [[Fawcett Publications]].{{sfn\|Streamas\|2003\|p=114}}<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/31/archives/howard-breslin-novelist-51-dead-author-of-tamarack-tree-gave-up.html \|title=Howard Breslin, Novelist, 51, Dead; Author of 'Tamarack Tree' Gave Up Success in Radio \|work=New York Times \|date=May 31, 1964 \|access-date=June 3, 2022}}</ref>		''Bad Day at Black Rock'' originated as a short story by [[Howard Breslin]] with full-color illustrations by [[Robert Fawcett]].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Author Breslin Succumbs at 51 \|work=Los Angeles Times \|date=May 31, 1964}}</ref> Entitled "Bad Time at Honda", it was published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947.<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Breslin \|first=Howard \|title=Bad Time at Honda \|journal=The American Magazine \|date=January 1947 \|volume=143 \|page=40}}</ref><ref name="Densho">{{cite encyclopedia \|url=http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Bad_Day_at_Black_Rock_(film)/ \|last=Niiya \|first=Brian \|title=Bad Day at Black Rock \|encyclopedia=Densho Encyclopedia \|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> It was adapted into a script by [[Don McGuire (actor)\|Don McGuire]] and pitched to [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] production head [[Dore Schary]], who was known for championing films that addressed social problems. Schary had previously produced ''[[Go for Broke! (1951 film)\|Go for Broke!]]'' (1951), based on the exploits of the segregated Japanese-American [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="Densho"/><ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro to Stress Big-Budget Films \|work=New York Times \|date=August 7, 1953}}</ref> Breslin novelised the script, using the pseudonym Michael Niall. His book was published in 1954 by [[Fawcett Publications]].{{sfn\|Streamas\|2003\|p=114}}<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/31/archives/howard-breslin-novelist-51-dead-author-of-tamarack-tree-gave-up.html \|title=Howard Breslin, Novelist, 51, Dead; Author of 'Tamarack Tree' Gave Up Success in Radio \|work=New York Times \|date=May 31, 1964 \|access-date=June 3, 2022}}</ref>

	Schary acquired the film rights for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, but he hired [[Millard Kaufman]] to rewrite McGuire's script. The producers were worried about the title because "Bad Time at ~~Hondo~~" was similar to ''[[Hondo (film)\|Hondo]]'', recently made by [[John Wayne]]. Kaufman suggested changing the name of the town to Black Rock, after a real town in Arizona. Kaufman finished the script in the fall of 1953.<ref name="Densho"/> Although [[Spencer Tracy]] was 54 and much older than the platoon leader in the original story, Schary wanted Tracy to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro Eyes Tracy For Western Lead \|work=New York Times \|date=August 13, 1953}}</ref> [[John Sturges]] was hired as director in June 1954 and shooting began the following month near [[Lone Pine, California]], where the small town set had been quickly constructed.<ref name="Densho"/> Just before shooting began, an indecisive Tracy tried to back out of the picture. Schary made clear that he was willing to sue the actor if he quit the film. ''Bad Day at Black Rock'' was Tracy's final film for MGM, with the exception of ''[[How the West Was Won (film)\|How the West Was Won]]'' (1963), for which he supplied the narration.{{sfn\|Andersen\|1997\|p=243}} Budget for the film was $1.3 million and it was shot in color using [[Cinemascope]] as Schary thought widescreen would emphasize the menace of the isolated town. Temperatures on location were over {{convert\|100\|°F\|°C}}. On August 9, the cast and crew moved to the MGM studio lot in [[Culver City]]. [[André Previn]] was hired to write the score.<ref name="Densho"/>		Schary acquired the film rights for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, but he hired [[Millard Kaufman]] to rewrite McGuire's script. The producers were worried about the title because "Bad Time at Honda" was similar to ''[[Hondo (film)\|Hondo]]'', recently made by [[John Wayne]]. Kaufman suggested changing the name of the town to Black Rock, after a real town in Arizona. Kaufman finished the script in the fall of 1953.<ref name="Densho"/> Although [[Spencer Tracy]] was 54 and much older than the platoon leader in the original story, Schary wanted Tracy to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro Eyes Tracy For Western Lead \|work=New York Times \|date=August 13, 1953}}</ref> [[John Sturges]] was hired as director in June 1954 and shooting began the following month near [[Lone Pine, California]], where the small town set had been quickly constructed.<ref name="Densho"/> Just before shooting began, an indecisive Tracy tried to back out of the picture. Schary made clear that he was willing to sue the actor if he quit the film. ''Bad Day at Black Rock'' was Tracy's final film for MGM, with the exception of ''[[How the West Was Won (film)\|How the West Was Won]]'' (1963), for which he supplied the narration.{{sfn\|Andersen\|1997\|p=243}} Budget for the film was $1.3 million and it was shot in color using [[Cinemascope]] as Schary thought widescreen would emphasize the menace of the isolated town. Temperatures on location were over {{convert\|100\|°F\|°C}}. On August 9, the cast and crew moved to the MGM studio lot in [[Culver City]]. [[André Previn]] was hired to write the score.<ref name="Densho"/>

	While the film is essentially a [[crime drama]] set in 1945, it is recognized as a [[Contemporary Western\|neo-Western]] with strong links to the [[revisionist Western]] genre.{{sfn\|Newman\|1990\|p=198}} The premiere was at Loew's 72nd Street Theater in [[New York City]] on December 8, 1954. The film went on national release in January 1955.<ref name="Densho"/> According to MGM records, it earned US$1,966,000 in the US and Canada and $1,822,000 elsewhere, making the studio a profit of $947,000.<ref name="Mannix"/>		While the film is essentially a [[crime drama]] set in 1945, it is recognized as a [[Contemporary Western\|neo-Western]] with strong links to the [[revisionist Western]] genre.{{sfn\|Newman\|1990\|p=198}} The premiere was at Loew's 72nd Street Theater in [[New York City]] on December 8, 1954. The film went on national release in January 1955.<ref name="Densho"/> According to MGM records, it earned US$1,966,000 in the US and Canada and $1,822,000 elsewhere, making the studio a profit of $947,000.<ref name="Mannix"/>

← Previous revision		Revision as of 17:56, 28 July 2024
Line 58:		Line 58:
	==Production==		==Production==
	[[File:Bad-Time-at-Honda-1.jpg\|thumb\|upright=1.5\|[[Robert Fawcett]] illustrated ''[[The American Magazine]]'' printing of "Bad Time at Honda", a 1947 short story by [[Howard Breslin]] that was adapted for the film.]]		[[File:Bad-Time-at-Honda-1.jpg\|thumb\|upright=1.5\|[[Robert Fawcett]] illustrated ''[[The American Magazine]]'' printing of "Bad Time at Honda", a 1947 short story by [[Howard Breslin]] that was adapted for the film.]]
	''Bad Day at Black Rock'' originated as a short story by [[Howard Breslin]] with full-color illustrations by [[Robert Fawcett]].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Author Breslin Succumbs at 51 \|work=Los Angeles Times \|date=May 31, 1964}}</ref> Entitled "Bad Time at Hondo", it was published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947.<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Breslin \|first=Howard \|title=Bad Time at Honda \|journal=The American Magazine \|date=January 1947 \|volume=143 \|page=40}}</ref><ref name="Densho">{{cite encyclopedia \|url=http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Bad_Day_at_Black_Rock_(film)/ \|last=Niiya \|first=Brian \|title=Bad Day at Black Rock \|encyclopedia=Densho Encyclopedia \|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> It was adapted into a script by [[Don McGuire (actor)\|Don McGuire]] and pitched to [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer~~\|MGM~~]] production head [[Dore Schary]], who was known for championing films that addressed social problems. Schary had previously produced ''[[Go for Broke! (1951 film)\|Go for Broke!]]'' (1951), based on the exploits of the segregated Japanese-American [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="Densho"/><ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro to Stress Big-Budget Films \|work=New York Times \|date=August 7, 1953}}</ref> Breslin novelised the script, using the pseudonym Michael Niall. His book was published in 1954 by [[Fawcett Publications]].{{sfn\|Streamas\|2003\|p=114}}<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/31/archives/howard-breslin-novelist-51-dead-author-of-tamarack-tree-gave-up.html \|title=Howard Breslin, Novelist, 51, Dead; Author of 'Tamarack Tree' Gave Up Success in Radio \|work=New York Times \|date=May 31, 1964 \|access-date=June 3, 2022}}</ref>		''Bad Day at Black Rock'' originated as a short story by [[Howard Breslin]] with full-color illustrations by [[Robert Fawcett]].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Author Breslin Succumbs at 51 \|work=Los Angeles Times \|date=May 31, 1964}}</ref> Entitled "Bad Time at Hondo", it was published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947.<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Breslin \|first=Howard \|title=Bad Time at Honda \|journal=The American Magazine \|date=January 1947 \|volume=143 \|page=40}}</ref><ref name="Densho">{{cite encyclopedia \|url=http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Bad_Day_at_Black_Rock_(film)/ \|last=Niiya \|first=Brian \|title=Bad Day at Black Rock \|encyclopedia=Densho Encyclopedia \|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> It was adapted into a script by [[Don McGuire (actor)\|Don McGuire]] and pitched to [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] production head [[Dore Schary]], who was known for championing films that addressed social problems. Schary had previously produced ''[[Go for Broke! (1951 film)\|Go for Broke!]]'' (1951), based on the exploits of the segregated Japanese-American [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="Densho"/><ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro to Stress Big-Budget Films \|work=New York Times \|date=August 7, 1953}}</ref> Breslin novelised the script, using the pseudonym Michael Niall. His book was published in 1954 by [[Fawcett Publications]].{{sfn\|Streamas\|2003\|p=114}}<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/31/archives/howard-breslin-novelist-51-dead-author-of-tamarack-tree-gave-up.html \|title=Howard Breslin, Novelist, 51, Dead; Author of 'Tamarack Tree' Gave Up Success in Radio \|work=New York Times \|date=May 31, 1964 \|access-date=June 3, 2022}}</ref>

	Schary acquired the film rights for [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]], but he hired [[Millard Kaufman]] to rewrite McGuire's script. The producers were worried about the title because "Bad Time at Hondo" was similar to ''[[Hondo (film)\|Hondo]]'', recently made by [[John Wayne]]. Kaufman suggested changing the name of the town to Black Rock, after a real town in Arizona. Kaufman finished the script in the fall of 1953.<ref name="Densho"/> Although [[Spencer Tracy]] was 54 and much older than the platoon leader in the original story, Schary wanted Tracy to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro Eyes Tracy For Western Lead \|work=New York Times \|date=August 13, 1953}}</ref> [[John Sturges]] was hired as director in June 1954 and shooting began the following month near [[Lone Pine, California]], where the small town set had been quickly constructed.<ref name="Densho"/> Just before shooting began, an indecisive Tracy tried to back out of the picture. Schary made clear that he was willing to sue the actor if he quit the film. ''Bad Day at Black Rock'' was Tracy's final film for MGM, with the exception of ''[[How the West Was Won (film)\|How the West Was Won]]'' (1963), for which he supplied the narration.{{sfn\|Andersen\|1997\|p=243}} Budget for the film was $1.3 million and it was shot in color using [[Cinemascope]] as Schary thought widescreen would emphasize the menace of the isolated town. Temperatures on location were over {{convert\|100\|°F\|°C}}. On August 9, the cast and crew moved to the MGM studio lot in [[Culver City]]. [[André Previn]] was hired to write the score.<ref name="Densho"/>		Schary acquired the film rights for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, but he hired [[Millard Kaufman]] to rewrite McGuire's script. The producers were worried about the title because "Bad Time at Hondo" was similar to ''[[Hondo (film)\|Hondo]]'', recently made by [[John Wayne]]. Kaufman suggested changing the name of the town to Black Rock, after a real town in Arizona. Kaufman finished the script in the fall of 1953.<ref name="Densho"/> Although [[Spencer Tracy]] was 54 and much older than the platoon leader in the original story, Schary wanted Tracy to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro Eyes Tracy For Western Lead \|work=New York Times \|date=August 13, 1953}}</ref> [[John Sturges]] was hired as director in June 1954 and shooting began the following month near [[Lone Pine, California]], where the small town set had been quickly constructed.<ref name="Densho"/> Just before shooting began, an indecisive Tracy tried to back out of the picture. Schary made clear that he was willing to sue the actor if he quit the film. ''Bad Day at Black Rock'' was Tracy's final film for MGM, with the exception of ''[[How the West Was Won (film)\|How the West Was Won]]'' (1963), for which he supplied the narration.{{sfn\|Andersen\|1997\|p=243}} Budget for the film was $1.3 million and it was shot in color using [[Cinemascope]] as Schary thought widescreen would emphasize the menace of the isolated town. Temperatures on location were over {{convert\|100\|°F\|°C}}. On August 9, the cast and crew moved to the MGM studio lot in [[Culver City]]. [[André Previn]] was hired to write the score.<ref name="Densho"/>

	While the film is essentially a [[crime drama]] set in 1945, it is recognized as a [[Contemporary Western\|neo-Western]] with strong links to the [[revisionist Western]] genre.{{sfn\|Newman\|1990\|p=198}} The premiere was at Loew's 72nd Street Theater in [[New York City]] on December 8, 1954. The film went on national release in January 1955.<ref name="Densho"/> According to MGM records, it earned US$1,966,000 in the US and Canada and $1,822,000 elsewhere, making the studio a profit of $947,000.<ref name="Mannix"/>		While the film is essentially a [[crime drama]] set in 1945, it is recognized as a [[Contemporary Western\|neo-Western]] with strong links to the [[revisionist Western]] genre.{{sfn\|Newman\|1990\|p=198}} The premiere was at Loew's 72nd Street Theater in [[New York City]] on December 8, 1954. The film went on national release in January 1955.<ref name="Densho"/> According to MGM records, it earned US$1,966,000 in the US and Canada and $1,822,000 elsewhere, making the studio a profit of $947,000.<ref name="Mannix"/>

← Previous revision		Revision as of 15:44, 26 July 2024
Line 60:		Line 60:
	''Bad Day at Black Rock'' originated as a short story by [[Howard Breslin]] with full-color illustrations by [[Robert Fawcett]].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Author Breslin Succumbs at 51 \|work=Los Angeles Times \|date=May 31, 1964}}</ref> Entitled "Bad Time at Hondo", it was published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947.<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Breslin \|first=Howard \|title=Bad Time at Honda \|journal=The American Magazine \|date=January 1947 \|volume=143 \|page=40}}</ref><ref name="Densho">{{cite encyclopedia \|url=http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Bad_Day_at_Black_Rock_(film)/ \|last=Niiya \|first=Brian \|title=Bad Day at Black Rock \|encyclopedia=Densho Encyclopedia \|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> It was adapted into a script by [[Don McGuire (actor)\|Don McGuire]] and pitched to [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer\|MGM]] production head [[Dore Schary]], who was known for championing films that addressed social problems. Schary had previously produced ''[[Go for Broke! (1951 film)\|Go for Broke!]]'' (1951), based on the exploits of the segregated Japanese-American [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="Densho"/><ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro to Stress Big-Budget Films \|work=New York Times \|date=August 7, 1953}}</ref> Breslin novelised the script, using the pseudonym Michael Niall. His book was published in 1954 by [[Fawcett Publications]].{{sfn\|Streamas\|2003\|p=114}}<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/31/archives/howard-breslin-novelist-51-dead-author-of-tamarack-tree-gave-up.html \|title=Howard Breslin, Novelist, 51, Dead; Author of 'Tamarack Tree' Gave Up Success in Radio \|work=New York Times \|date=May 31, 1964 \|access-date=June 3, 2022}}</ref>		''Bad Day at Black Rock'' originated as a short story by [[Howard Breslin]] with full-color illustrations by [[Robert Fawcett]].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Author Breslin Succumbs at 51 \|work=Los Angeles Times \|date=May 31, 1964}}</ref> Entitled "Bad Time at Hondo", it was published by ''[[The American Magazine]]'' in January 1947.<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Breslin \|first=Howard \|title=Bad Time at Honda \|journal=The American Magazine \|date=January 1947 \|volume=143 \|page=40}}</ref><ref name="Densho">{{cite encyclopedia \|url=http://encyclopedia.densho.org/Bad_Day_at_Black_Rock_(film)/ \|last=Niiya \|first=Brian \|title=Bad Day at Black Rock \|encyclopedia=Densho Encyclopedia \|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> It was adapted into a script by [[Don McGuire (actor)\|Don McGuire]] and pitched to [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer\|MGM]] production head [[Dore Schary]], who was known for championing films that addressed social problems. Schary had previously produced ''[[Go for Broke! (1951 film)\|Go for Broke!]]'' (1951), based on the exploits of the segregated Japanese-American [[442nd Infantry Regiment (United States)\|442nd Regimental Combat Team]].<ref name="Densho"/><ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro to Stress Big-Budget Films \|work=New York Times \|date=August 7, 1953}}</ref> Breslin novelised the script, using the pseudonym Michael Niall. His book was published in 1954 by [[Fawcett Publications]].{{sfn\|Streamas\|2003\|p=114}}<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/31/archives/howard-breslin-novelist-51-dead-author-of-tamarack-tree-gave-up.html \|title=Howard Breslin, Novelist, 51, Dead; Author of 'Tamarack Tree' Gave Up Success in Radio \|work=New York Times \|date=May 31, 1964 \|access-date=June 3, 2022}}</ref>

	Schary acquired the film rights for [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]], but he hired [[Millard Kaufman]] to rewrite McGuire's script. The producers were worried about the title because "Bad Time at Hondo" was similar to ''[[Hondo (film)\|Hondo]]'', recently made by [[John Wayne]]. Kaufman suggested changing the name of the town to Black Rock, after a real town in Arizona. Kaufman finished the script in the fall of 1953.<ref name="Densho"/> Although [[Spencer Tracy]] was 54 and much older than the platoon leader in the original story, Schary wanted Tracy to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro Eyes Tracy For Western Lead \|work=New York Times \|date=August 13, 1953}}</ref> [[John Sturges]] was hired as director in June 1954 and shooting began the following month near [[Lone Pine, California]], where the small town set had been quickly constructed.<ref name="Densho"/> Just before shooting began, an indecisive Tracy tried to back out of the picture. Schary made clear that he was willing to sue the actor if he quit the film. ''Bad Day at Black Rock'' was Tracy's final film for MGM, with the exception of ''How the West ~~was~~ Won'' (1963), for which he supplied the narration.{{sfn\|Andersen\|1997\|p=243}} Budget for the film was $1.3 million and it was shot in color using [[Cinemascope]] as Schary thought widescreen would emphasize the menace of the isolated town. Temperatures on location were over {{convert\|100\|°F\|°C}}. On August 9, the cast and crew moved to the MGM studio lot in [[Culver City]]. [[André Previn]] was hired to write the score.<ref name="Densho"/>		Schary acquired the film rights for [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]], but he hired [[Millard Kaufman]] to rewrite McGuire's script. The producers were worried about the title because "Bad Time at Hondo" was similar to ''[[Hondo (film)\|Hondo]]'', recently made by [[John Wayne]]. Kaufman suggested changing the name of the town to Black Rock, after a real town in Arizona. Kaufman finished the script in the fall of 1953.<ref name="Densho"/> Although [[Spencer Tracy]] was 54 and much older than the platoon leader in the original story, Schary wanted Tracy to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Metro Eyes Tracy For Western Lead \|work=New York Times \|date=August 13, 1953}}</ref> [[John Sturges]] was hired as director in June 1954 and shooting began the following month near [[Lone Pine, California]], where the small town set had been quickly constructed.<ref name="Densho"/> Just before shooting began, an indecisive Tracy tried to back out of the picture. Schary made clear that he was willing to sue the actor if he quit the film. ''Bad Day at Black Rock'' was Tracy's final film for MGM, with the exception of ''[[How the West Was Won (film)\|How the West Was Won]]'' (1963), for which he supplied the narration.{{sfn\|Andersen\|1997\|p=243}} Budget for the film was $1.3 million and it was shot in color using [[Cinemascope]] as Schary thought widescreen would emphasize the menace of the isolated town. Temperatures on location were over {{convert\|100\|°F\|°C}}. On August 9, the cast and crew moved to the MGM studio lot in [[Culver City]]. [[André Previn]] was hired to write the score.<ref name="Densho"/>

	While the film is essentially a [[crime drama]] set in 1945, it is recognized as a [[Contemporary Western\|neo-Western]] with strong links to the [[revisionist Western]] genre.{{sfn\|Newman\|1990\|p=198}} The premiere was at Loew's 72nd Street Theater in [[New York City]] on December 8, 1954. The film went on national release in January 1955.<ref name="Densho"/> According to MGM records, it earned US$1,966,000 in the US and Canada and $1,822,000 elsewhere, making the studio a profit of $947,000.<ref name="Mannix"/>		While the film is essentially a [[crime drama]] set in 1945, it is recognized as a [[Contemporary Western\|neo-Western]] with strong links to the [[revisionist Western]] genre.{{sfn\|Newman\|1990\|p=198}} The premiere was at Loew's 72nd Street Theater in [[New York City]] on December 8, 1954. The film went on national release in January 1955.<ref name="Densho"/> According to MGM records, it earned US$1,966,000 in the US and Canada and $1,822,000 elsewhere, making the studio a profit of $947,000.<ref name="Mannix"/>