Review of Deported

This film noir set in post war Naples is just a so-so entry in the plethora of the dozens of similar post war social dramas, notable for being Robert Siodmark's last American film and one of the first leads for the ruggedly handsome Jeff Chandler. He's an Italian born mobster, in the United States since childhood and after serving time in San Quentin, is deported back to his hometown where he intends to restart his criminal life to get one quick money grab before going on his way to parts unknown. But the love of a beautiful countess (Marta Toren) softens him, leading him to try to stop the robbery he organized already in progress. However, when you live by violence and graft, it's difficult to escape that and more violence erupts in his attempt to stop the robbery he organized from going through.

Filmed on location, this has its moments of thrills but often, is softened from its darker themes with too much provincial ideals. Chandler's character is perfectly defined, but Toren's not so much, too good to be true, and willing to sacrifice everything for the man she loves, even when she finds out what he's up to. The locations are stunning, and the setting rich in detail. I just didn't buy what the script was trying to sell me. Claude Dauphin, as an amoral acquaintance of Chandler's gives a rich performance of sinister charm and pretty much steals the film. So much potential wasted for twists and turns that convolute the plot and take it down destructive paths of unbelievability.