Inferno (1953 film)

Inferno is a 1953 American 3-D Technicolor film noir directed by Roy Ward Baker and starring Robert Ryan, Rhonda Fleming, and William Lundigan. The film was originally released in 3-D but later re-released in 2-D formats.

The story centers around Donald Carson (Robert Ryan), a wealthy and arrogant millionaire businessman whose leg is broken in a desert accident, leaving him stranded. He becomes increasingly paranoid and vengeful when his scheming wife, Geraldine Carson (Rhonda Fleming), and her lover, Joseph Duncan (William Lundigan), abandon him, hoping he will die so they can collect his inheritance.

As Carson struggles to survive the harsh desert environment, he uses his intelligence and resourcefulness to find ways to signal for help and ultimately seek revenge on his would-be killers. The desert setting is used extensively to create a sense of isolation and danger, mirroring Carson's psychological state.

The film is notable for its use of 3-D technology to enhance the viewing experience, particularly during scenes involving action and the harsh desert landscape. The use of shadows and the vastness of the desert environment are employed to amplify the tension and highlight the protagonist's vulnerability. While primarily a suspense thriller, Inferno also touches upon themes of greed, betrayal, and the will to survive against seemingly insurmountable odds.