The Fugitive (1947)

Film Overview
"The Fugitive" is a 1947 film directed by the famous filmmaker of Hollywood, John Ford. The film is a plain contrast from Ford's western classics. It's a religious allegory based upon Graham Greene's 1940 novel "The Power and the Glory". It stars Henry Fonda as the unnamed fugitive priest, Dolores del Río as Maria Dolores, a local woman, and Pedro Armendáriz as a lieutenant. The film occurs in an unnamed Latin-American nation where the federal government has actually disallowed faith, leading priests to become fugitives.

Plot
Henry Fonda represents an alcoholic priest on the run from an overbearing federal government that has actually banned Catholicism. With the federal government looking for to implement its anti-clerical laws, the fugitive priest becomes hunted in a nation where religion has fallen under punitive control. Although he doubts his ability and the efficiency of religious beliefs, he has a hard time to fulfill his duty. The priest is tempted to leave the residents to their fate, however he continues because he realizes the value of faith to the residents.

Characters and Relationships
Fonda's unnamed Priest is the heart of the film, with his crisis of faith giving the story its psychological weight. The Lieutenant, played by Armendáriz, is the pursuer with a fascination to follow the law who despite his stern exterior, has a deep-rooted regard for the priest. Dolores del Río plays Maria Dolores, a devout peasant female who becomes a devout fan of the priest and help in his escape.

Cinematic Style and Themes
"The Fugitive" is an aesthetically impressive film, shot totally in Mexico with Gabriel Figueroa as the cinematographer. The stark, moody black-and-white photography enhances the sensation of fear and despondence that pervades the film. Regardless of its bleak setting and styles, "The Fugitive" retains an enthusiastic undercurrent, manifested in the priest's undying faith and the locals' unshaken belief in Catholicism in spite of the crackdown.

Vital Reception and Impact
The film was an industrial flop, with Ford himself acknowledging that the movie was 'too arty'. Nevertheless, it has been popular critically. It showcased Ford in various light and portrayed his capability to manage a heavy, allegorical narrative with skill. The movie is perhaps best remembered for its visual style, with Figueroa's high contrast, deep focus photography creating a world of shadows and light that mirrors the moral intricacies of the story.

Conclusion
"The Fugitive" is a poignant movie about faith, redemption, and perseverance under oppressive programs. It portrays the attempting times of a fugitive priest who despite his doubts continues his holy objective of serving people. The film is one of John Ford's lesser-known works, however a testimony to his flexibility as a director. Eventually, "The Fugitive", through its moving narrative and visual splendor, explores the strength of faith in an environment hostile to it.

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