Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1937 Vision of Richard Thorpe
Exploring the Romance underpinnings of Dangerous Number leads us to the stylistic boundaries pushed by Richard Thorpe during the production. Through a lens of existential fatalism and Romance tropes, it continues to spark endless debates among critics and cinephiles alike.
In Dangerous Number, Richard Thorpe pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
In this work, Richard Thorpe explores the intersection of Romance and United States cultural identity. The meticulous attention to detail suggests a deep-seated commitment to pushing the boundaries of the medium, ensuring that Dangerous Number remains a relevant topic of study for Romance enthusiasts.
| Cinematography | High-Contrast |
| Soundtrack | Minimalist |
| Editing | Disjunctive |
| Art Direction | Baroque |
Visualizing the convergence of Richard Thorpe's style and the core Romance narrative.
Artificial-silk manufacturer Hank Medhill has returned to the U.S. from Japan to learn that his former girlfriend Eleanor Breen is about to marry. Hank convinces Eleanor to leave her groom-to-be and marry him. Shortly after the marriage, they discover that they have nothing in common and they separate. Hank decides to pick any name from the phone book and date whoever it is. That date results in a wild, frightful night for Hank, thanks to Eleanor's clever plan. Hank goes home to Eleanor to discover her with another man, Vance. Vance isn't just any man, though; he's Eleanor's husband.
Decades after its release, Dangerous Number remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Richard Thorpe's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.