Border Incident (1949)

65% of users liked it
(343 ratings)

As far removed from a "typical" MGM picture as it was possible to get back in 1949, Border Incident is a gritty, realistic crime melodrama. The story concerns the efforts by both the Mexican and American governments to stop the smuggling of Mexican migrant workers across the border. Representing… More As far removed from a "typical" MGM picture as it was possible to get back in 1949, Border Incident is a gritty, realistic crime melodrama. The story concerns the efforts by both the Mexican and American governments to stop the smuggling of Mexican migrant workers across the border. Representing Mexico is special agent Pablo Rodriguez (Ricardo Montalban), while Jack Bearnes (George Murphy) works on behalf of the US. Screenwriter John C. Higgins and producer/director Anthony Mann refuse to pull any punches, as witness the surprising mid-film murder of one of the major characters. Highlights include a harrowing episode involving a plowing machine and a climactic shootout in a quicksand swamp. The uniformly well-chosen supporting cast includes Howard da Silva, Arnold Moss, Alfonso Bedoya and Charles McGraw, "film noir" veterans all. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 32 min.
Directed By: Anthony Mann
Written By: John C. Higgins
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

In Theaters: Oct 28, 1949 Wide
On DVD: Jul 18, 2006

Critic Reviews

Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
Tougher, more tactile than anything in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
Paul Brenner, Filmcritic.com
a film of stylistic virtuosity saddled with a humdrum scenario, yet graced with a few subversive surprises.
Michael E. Grost, Classic Film and Television
Powerful, both politically and as visual style.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A routine crime melodrama.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Michael G

From a story standpoint this is not noir, but it sure as hell looks like it. Ricardo Montalban and George Murphy go undercover to stop an illegal alien ring. Mann's direction is fantastic and is the perfect setup to the westerns he'd later make. Border Incident is pretty… More
From a story standpoint this is not noir, but it sure as hell looks like it. Ricardo Montalban and George Murphy go undercover to stop an illegal alien ring. Mann's direction is fantastic and is the perfect setup to the westerns he'd later make. Border Incident is pretty violent (the tractor scene alone was pretty frightening--and I've seen The Terminal!!) by even today's standards. My only concern is with the film's social and political relevance that a remake can't be too far behind.

Cast

            Ricardo Montalban as Pablo Rodriguez

            George Murphy as Jack Bearnes

            Howard Da Silva as Owen Parkson

            James Mitchell as Juan Garcia

            Arnold Moss as Zopilote

            Alfonso Bedoya as Cuchillo

            Teresa Celli as Maria

            Charles McGraw as Jeff Amboy

            José Torvay as Pocoloco

            John Ridgely as Mr. Neley

            Arthur Hunnicutt as Clayton Nordell

            Sig Rumann as Hugo Wolfgang Ulrich

            Otto Waldis as Fritz

            Harry Antrim as John Boyd

            Lita Baron as Rosita

            Tony Barr as Luis

            Robert Cabal as Braceros

            Frank Conlan as Clerk

            David Cota as Braceros

            Joe Dominguez as Braceros

            Martin Garralaga as Col. Alvarado

            Fred Graham as Leathercoat

            Gordon Harris as Bandit

            Jack Lambert as Chuck

            Mitchell Lewis as Braceros

            Paul Marion as One Armed Man

            John McGuire as Norson

            William 'Bill' Phillips as Jim

            Lynn Whitney as Bella Amboy

            Ned Young as Happy

            Jerry Riggio as Braceros

            Elias Gamboa as Braceros

            Sig Ruman
            
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