Heat Lightning

Heat Lightning is a potent and underrated movie from 1934 that is packed with tension and grittiness. Directed by Mervyn LeRoy, this film is a captivating portrayal of sacrifice, sisterly bonds, violence, and survival in a man's world.

Set in the middle of the stark and desolate Mojave Desert, this Pre-Code drama-thriller tells the story of two sisters, Olga (Aline McMahon) and Myra (Ann Dvorak) who run a filling station and roadside café. Both sisters have a past to reconcile with, and their once-peaceful existence is swiftly interrupted when cloak-and-dagger figures from the criminal underworld descend upon their café, dragging them into a volatile whirlpool.

Aline McMahon as Olga, the headstrong mechanic, captivates audience’s attention with her fiercely independent yet caring character. Despite her rugged persona, Olga assumes the motherly role for her sibling and her staunch belief in the goodness of people, shaped by her own past experiences, sheds light on her inherent humanism.

In contrast, Ann Dvorak's Myra, the younger sister, is portrayed as a woman yearning for adventure and romance, tired of the monotonous routine of the desert. Whether it's her uncomfortable relationship with a traveling salesman or her aspiration to escape the desolate landscape, Dvorak brings an astoundingly versatile performance to the table.

Alongside them, Preston Foster's portrayal of George, a mysterious character with a perilous background, adds to the dynamic narrative of the film. The cinematography is particularly effective in capturing the intense heat of the sun and the metaphorical heat of arguments, altercations, and complicated human relationships.

The drama intensifies when George and his accomplice, Jeff, portrayed by Lyle Talbot, arrive at the filling station. This duo is clearly running from something, and as their connections to the criminal world are revealed, tension mounts, putting the sisters' resolve and survival skills to the test. The way Olga and Myra react to this menacing arrival and the unexpected circumstances add depth to their characters and the film's plot twists.

Heat Lightning stands out due to its feminist undertones, quite atypical of its era. Not only does it center around two strong, independent women living traditionally masculine lives as desert auto mechanics, but it also explores women's resistance against male dominance and manipulation. From the simple act of Olga fixing a car engine to Myra's yearning for more, the film is an early exploration of female empowerment and gender roles.

Furthermore, the film’s intriguing title, Heat Lightning, subtly encapsulates the sporadic yet intense moments of crisis that unfold throughout the narrative, similar to the erratic flashes of summer heat lightning. The director does a commendable job of maintaining a looming sense of danger throughout the film, with each scene brimming with suspense and uncertainty.

The blistering heat and barren wastelands provide a sizzling backdrop for the unfolding drama, underscoring the tense atmosphere. The cinematographer skillfully uses outdoor scenes with a burning sun overhead to characterize the intensity of events and the stressful circumstances that the characters, particularly the sisters, were embroiled in.

The film also benefits from its strong ensemble cast, mixing seasoned actors with relatively new faces, all of whom deliver intense and believable performances. Together, they create a noir-like ambience long before the genre was recognized by the film industry.

In conclusion, Heat Lightning is a riveting, intense, and progressive film for its era. It explores themes like sisterhood, bravery in the face of danger, and living life on your own terms while expertly building suspense against the stark landscape of the Mojave Desert. Even though the film was released in the 1930s, its forward-thinking and admirable characters and themes make this film a worthwhile experience for modern audiences. With an exceptional cast, compelling storyline, and an underlying tension that keeps viewers on edge, Heat Lightning is a classic film worth a watch for lovers of vintage cinema.