Out of the Past

Out of the Past (1947)

  • 96% of critics liked it
    (27 reviews)

  • 90% of users liked it
    (7,056 ratings)

Out of the Past is so perfect a film noir that it is considered practically a textbook example of the genre. In his first starring role (it had previously been offered to John Garfield and Dick Powell), Robert Mitchum plays Jeff Bailey, the friendly but secretive proprietor of a mountain-village gas… More

Unrated, 1 hr. 37 min.
Directed By
Jacques Tourneur
Written By
Daniel Mainwaring, Geoffrey Homes
Genres
Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Classics
In Theaters
Jan 1, 1947 Wide
On DVD
Jul 6, 2004

Critic Reviews

  • , Variety

    Direction by Jacques Tourneur pays close attention to mood development, achieving realistic flavor that is further emphasized by real life settings and topnotch lensing by Nicholas Musuraca.

  • Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

    The most delicate and nuanced of film noirs, graced with a reflective lyricism that almost lifts it out of the genre.

  • Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

    One of the greatest of all film noirs.

  • Bosley Crowther, New York Times

    It's very snappy and quite intriguingly played by a cast that has been well and smartly directed by Jacques Tourneur.

  • Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

    Cinematic perfection, a Hollywood classic that's as great and as enjoyable as its reputation has promised.

Read all 18 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Ken S


    The director of Cat People strikes again with what may be a perfect noir.

  • xGary X


    A stranger uncovers the secret past of a small town gas station owner drawing him back into the shadowy world he was trying to forget. Robert Mitchum's first starring role, and it's easy to see why it made him a star; he is superb as the ex private eye who falls for the… More

  • Tsubaki S


    I really got lost with the plot around the middle, something about tax papers and what not. I guess i either didn't pay attention or i'm just stupid. So it will need a rewatch. Also, BITCHES AND WHORES!

  • Michael G


    Out of the Past has everything a film noir junkie could ask for. Dialogue you could open a letter with, darkly moody cinematography, a femme fatale that makes Ann Coulter look like a pre-school teacher and a world-weathered simp who knows he's headed straight for a screw-job.… More

  • AJ V


    A great movie, it stars both Robert Mitchum and Kirk Douglas, so how could it be bad? I loved it.

Read all 18 featured audience ratings

Cast

See full cast

facebook_logo

Now you can share movies with your friends on Facebook!

  • Discover movies your friends are watching
  • Keep track of what you want to see
  • Add your reviews to your Timeline