"Swamp Water" Review

 

by Daniel White

Who knows why studio head Darryl Zanuck opted to film Swamp Water (1941) almost entirely on location at Okefenokee swamp in Georgia? I suspect it was a nod to Jean Renoir, the celebrated French director who helmed it. It was an unusual move to depart from a Twentieth Century Fox back lot, where he could exert control. But it was a smart decision. It turns a sturdy tale into an exciting screen experience and makes the movie accessible to a modern day audience.

Another wise decision made by Zanuck was to cast Dana Andrews as the main protagonist, Ben Ragan. Though billed under the two Walters, Brennan and Huston, Andrews is the true lead and he is very, very good. The studio could have gone with Henry Fonda, whom they had under contract. He would have been excellent in the role but I prefer Andrews (though both men are a tad too old for the part).

Ben is a young pup coming of age in a small enclave bordering the swamp. Bristling at the constraints his strict father places on him (a terrific Huston), he takes a giant leap toward manhood when he discovers fugitive Tom Keefer (Brennan) hiding in the desolate, dangerous area. Instead of turning the wanted man in (he's a convicted murderer), Ben decides to partner with him. They trap wild animals for their hides, which Ben will sell. Unfortunately, it isn't long before the townsfolk deduce that Ben is in contact with the hunted killer.

An impoverished, isolated people, existing outside the pale of "normal" civilization, it's clear why a foreigner like Renoir would be attracted to this peculiarly American story. Though not a true Western, it has the feel of one, reinforced by the frequent playing of "Red River Valley."

In only her fourth film role, teen aged Anne Baxter does a commendable job as wild child Julie, daughter of the escaped convict, Keefer. And Virginia Gilmore is just as good as her scheming counterpart, Mabel. A wily vixen, it's her animosity toward ex-beau Ben that sets the film off to its climatic ending (death by quicksand for one the villains, a horrific yet riveting sight). The film is also stocked with some fabulous supporting players like John Carradine, Eugene Pallette and Ward Bond. Top of the line character actors like these three are essential when putting together an exemplary flick like Swamp Water.

With exquisite cinematography by J Pevrrell Marley and Lucien Ballard, screenplay by Dudley Nichols and music by David Buttolph, Swamp Water is available on YouTube - don't be afraid to sample some today!