The Hairy Ape

The 1944 movie, The Hairy Ape, directed by Alfred Santell and starring William Bendix, Susan Hayward, and John Loder, is an American drama film that serves as an adaptation of a 1922 play by Eugene O'Neill. The movie delves into the life of its central character, Bill (played by William Bendix) and narrates his journey from being a robust and passionate longshoreman to embarking on a daunting path of self-discovery.

The pivotal role of Bill, cast William Bendix, reflects a man whose internal turmoil rivals the ceaseless labor he endures day after day on the quays of New York Harbor. He is initially portrayed as a physically powerful stoker who showcases absolute confidence in his physical prowess, earning him a strong reputation among his colleagues. Though when exposed to a different societal class, his worldview changes, triggering a search for identity that becomes the driving force of his character for the rest of the film.

The film takes a pivotal turn when Mildred Douglas, played by the radiant Susan Hayward, enters the scene. Mildred is an ostentatiously rich, beautiful, yet suffocated young woman, caught up in the privileges and demands of high society. Mildred decides to tour the underbelly of the New York docks as part of a social experiment, which is when she encounters Bill. The unsettling meeting between Bill and Mildred initially catalyzes a new sense of self-awareness in Bill and marks the beginning of an existential journey that will challenge his every belief.

John Loder characterizes the polished, articulate gentleman, Robert 'Bob' Smith. An engineer, he features as the romantic interest of Mildred Douglas. Robert’s suave demeanor, well-mannered approach, and stark contrast to Bill create an engaging dynamic that explores class division and the ideological gap.

Ann Codee, Dorothy Comingore, and Alan Napier are remarkable in supporting roles, building a vivid world around the main characters, providing the necessary nuances to the societal divides within the narrative. The variety of characters from different walks of life contributes to the film's exploration of enormous themes like class, identity, and human dignity against the backdrop of a noisy, bustling, thriving, yet often harsh, urban landscape.

The cinematography vividly captures the essence of the gritty, grimy, industrial heart of the early 20th century New York, painting a distinct picture of the harsh living conditions of the working class. It couples this portrayal with the stark contrast of the glitzy, glamorous, yet superficial high-society world, showing two realms that co-exist yet rarely intersect.

The screenplay adheres to O'Neill's original play, respecting its profound exploration of themes like class struggles and individual identity crisis. The movie transforms the narrative framework of the play to create a cinematic world that stays true to the original story yet offers viewers the opportunity to be visually drawn into the era, the harsh realities, and the social disparity of the time.

The Hairy Ape, with its compelling storyline, thought-provoking themes, and powerful performances, unwaveringly captures a man's struggle with the societal hierarchy and his place within it. The strong narrative unfolds passionately as O'Neill's original themes come alive on screen, illustrated seemingly with depth and complexity by the director's vision.

Central to the movie is the overarching theme of human dignity in the face of a harsh, unyielding society. The film invites the audience to empathize with Bill's confrontation with an unforgiving world that scorns and reveres strength in unequal measures. The exploration of societal divisions, human nature, and individuals' turmoil to find their place in the world make this movie a gripping, thought-provoking drama that remains enduringly relevant.

In summary, The Hairy Ape is more than just a drama; it’s an exploration of class divide, a critique of societal norms, and a stark look at the human experience caught between the machinations of a burgeoning industrial society and the innate desire to find personal identity and dignity. It’s a must-watch for fans of classic cinema, admirers of O'Neill's work, and anyone who appreciates a compelling narrative that dives into profound themes.