The Defiant Ones (1958)

Sidney Poitier has a fire in his eyes that burns with the anger of his race. He walks tall and looks at people in the eye in all his film roles. His characters demand respect. In various public forums, he has acknowledge the help he received from film makers like Stanley Kramer who brought out race related issues on film and gave his people a voice through his portrayals against racial oppression. ‘The Defiant Ones’ is a gallant attempt at bringing an important issue to the public eye.

The film chains together a white man, Jackson and a colored man, Cullen in the American South, an ‘imaginative’ step by the jail warden as they are being transported on a rainy night back to jail after working in a chain gang. Their truck overturns and the two men escape, while being chained to each other at the hand. They experience intense hatred towards each another but due to their circumstances, learn to work with and support each other, until the time comes for them to choose between their individual freedom and their separation from one another.

Symbolism is high in the screenplay right up to the climax. The concept of chaining shows the inescapable reality of the existence of multiple races on Earth. Their many fights and subsequent patch ups indicate that people of different races can co-exist despite differences. The story is filled with several powerful confrontation scenes that bring out the differences in philosophy and thinking between the two characters.

The sub-plots in the film are very interesting. A hunting party formed by volunteering deputies tries to make the chase seem like entertainment, but is thwarted by a no nonsense Sheriff. A lonesome woman who gives the convicts shelter, begins to see Jackson as a ticket to ride out to a new life, but needs to convince him to split with Cullen. Stanley Kramer’s direction, gives the film a very real feel where every punch is felt and every shout experienced.

Sidney Poitier with his towering screen presence plays Cullen superbly. His personality on screen as a proud colored man who is not afraid to take on his oppressors sets the tone for performances in movies such as Kramer’s ‘Guess Whos coming to Dinner’ and ‘In the Heat of the Night’ in the 60s. Tony Curtis, with his rough cut good looks and mellifluous voice stands up to Poitier and delivers a sensitive performance. Cara Williams earned an Oscar for a supporting role for her portrayal of a woman who would do anything to find herself a new life.

‘The Defiant Ones’ is an important film.