Slattery's Hurricane (1949)

An arrogant self centered ex-Navy flyer (Richard Widmark) works as a private pilot for a candy manufacturer (Walter Kingsford) whose company is actually a front for drug smuggling. Although he's dating an ex-junkie (Veronica Lake), the pilot seduces the wife (Linda Darnell) of his good friend (John Russell). Based on a short story by Herman Wouk (THE CAINE MUTINY), Wouk's story is watered down for the screen due to the censorship restrictions of the day regarding adultery and drug addiction. What remains seems rather contrived and Widmark's transformation from heel to hero is too rapid to feel authentic. The film's one likable character, Lake's emotionally tenuous waif, is so ill treated by Widmark that her acceptance of his abuse finally makes her unappealing too. Widmark's likability as an actor does much to too hold off apathy toward his character though as previously remarked, his redemption feels phony. The crude hurricane sequences are effective. Directed by Andre De Toth (HOUSE OF WAX). With Gary Merrill, Joe De Santis, Morris Ankrum and Amelita Ward.