Never Love a Stranger

Never Love a Stranger, directed by Robert Stevens and released in 1958, introduces us to the troubled world of crime, friendship, love, loyalty and betrayal, unweaving an intriguing narrative anchored on a powerful trope of sibling-like ties turning sour with a pivotal element of lost innocence. The touching performances by a young John Drew Barrymore, Lita Milan, and Robert Bray, contrasts a black-and-white composition highlighting the raw and blemished charm of 1950s New York City, which mirrors the grim essence of the film itself.

We begin our journey with Frankie Kane (played by John Drew Barrymore), an orphan raised in a Catholic orphanage in Hell's Kitchen, New York. The hardened city maze is as complex as the challenges Frankie faces in his early life, imprinting on him a roughness, resiliency, and dormant disdain for authority which will shape his future life. Although an outsider, he befriends fellow orphan Martin Cabell, who remains a pillar of his existence into adulthood. The bond between the pair grows stronger with time, weaving a brotherly affection that promises lifelong loyalty and companionship.

As the pair come of age, their lives veer in different directions. Martin Cabell (played by Robert Bray) drafts a clean path, securing a career as a district attorney, while Frankie descends into the world of organized crime. Despite their diverging destinies, they maintain their brotherly bond, setting up an important precedent for the film's implications concerning the dualities of morality and the limits of loyalty.

Lita Milan in her role as Julie, breathes life into the love interest aspect of the film, providing it with an additional layer of complexity. She portrays an irresistible seductress who embarks on a steamy romance with Frankie, further drawing him into the swirls of the underworld. This relationship adds a romantic dimension to the narrative, challenging viewers to scrutinize the moral implications of Frankie's actions, which despite being unlawful display sincerity in his affection for Julie.

crime runs rampant in a grimy, yet engrossively atmospheric New York City, saturated with its fair share of speakeasies and illegal gambling dens- a world where morality becomes blurred. Frankie naturally thrives within this ecosystem, navigating through the gritty underbelly of the city, ultimately ascending to become a significant player in its turbulent crime syndicate.

In this chaotic urban jungle, the orphan-turned-gangster is not the only one whose morals are put to the test, but these challenges equally extend to those in his orbit, including Martin and Julie. With Martin obligated by duty to challenge Frankie's illicit activities, and Julie torn between her affection for Frankie and her longing for a lawful life, their narratives tangle further, escalating tensions and intricacies.

Director Robert Stevens masterfully uses this plot as a vehicle to explore the ethical boundaries in each character's personal and professional lives. Every frame provokes questions about the cost of survival in a world deprived of opportunities, the definitions of loyalty and fraternity, and the two-edged nature of power and freedom.

Never Love a Stranger sticks true to its film noir roots, often threading through dark themes which cast long, ominous shadows across the script. The care with which each role is executed contributes an engaging depth to the characters, managing to capture their inherent humanity beneath all surfaces, whether criminal or lawful. Additionally, the atmospheric color palette used for the cinematography and set design instills an unnerving sense of realism, capturing New York's brooding underbelly in raw, mournful detail.

In true noir fashion, a robust element of suspense prevails throughout the story, keeping audiences on their toes as Frankie's rise in the criminal world threatens to collide disastrously with Martin's drive for justice. Yet within this tension, the film consistently highlights their shared past, fostering sympathy for their divergent paths and maintaining a level of humanity at the story's core.

Additionally, prolific composer Raymond Scott's stirring musical score adds an essential emotional depth to the film, enhancing scenes of tension, passion, and heartbreak and making the narrative even more arresting.

In conclusion, Never Love a Stranger is a commendably executed crime drama. With strong performances, an absorbing plot, and a potent exploration of moral complexities, this film captures the essence of New York's underbelly in the 1950s. It makes for an exciting and riveting period piece for both film noir fanatics and general audiences alike. This film's potent narrative and stunning performances are certain to leave viewers deeply affected, contemplating the depths of loyalty, love, and betrayal against a grim backdrop of crime and corruption.