Detour is a 1945 American independent film noir directed by Edgar G. Ulmer and starring Tom Neal and Ann Savage. Adapted from Martin Goldsmith’s 1939 novel of the same title, with uncredited contributions from Martin Mooney, the screenplay brings to life a dark and suspenseful story of fate, crime, and desperation. The film was produced and released by the Producers Releasing Corporation, one of Hollywood’s so-called Poverty Row studios, which specialized in low-budget independent productions. Despite its modest budget, Detour has become a landmark of American film noir, renowned for its taut storytelling, moody cinematography, and psychological intensity. Plot and Themes The film follows Al Roberts, a down-on-his-luck pianist traveling cross-country, who becomes entangled in a series of fatal events after a chance encounter with a mysterious woman. Themes of inevitability, moral ambiguity, and the cruel twists of fate dominate the narrative, giving the film its enduring tension and suspense. Ann Savage delivers a memorable performance as Vera, a ruthless and manipulative woman who pushes Al further into a spiral of crime and guilt. The interactions between Al and Vera showcase classic noir dynamics of desperation, seduction, and betrayal. Production and Legacy Detour was shot quickly and on a shoestring budget, yet Ulmer’s inventive direction and use of shadow, composition, and atmosphere make the film stand out in the noir canon. The sparse production resources contributed to a raw, edgy style that heightens the sense of unease and claustrophobia throughout the story. In 1992, Detour was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." The film entered the public domain, allowing it to be widely viewed, studied, and appreciated by film scholars and noir enthusiasts. In 2018, the Academy Film Archive restored Detour in 4K resolution. The restoration premiered in Los Angeles at the TCM Festival, further cementing its reputation as one of the most influential and celebrated examples of American independent noir filmmaking. Influence and Recognition Detour has inspired generations of filmmakers with its minimalist storytelling, innovative camera work, and iconic performances. Frequently cited as a quintessential example of B-movie noir, the film demonstrates how creativity and atmosphere can overcome budget limitations to produce enduring cinematic art.
