Abandoned (1949 film)
Abandoned | |
---|---|
![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Joseph M. Newman |
Screenplay by | Irwin Gielgud additional dialogue William Bowers |
Produced by | Jerry Bresler |
Starring | Dennis O'Keefe Gale Storm |
Cinematography | William H. Daniels |
Edited by | Edward Curtiss |
Music by | Walter Scharf |
Production company | Universal International |
Distributed by | Universal International |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 78 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Abandoned is a 1949 American crime film noir directed by Joseph M. Newman starring Dennis O'Keefe and Gale Storm.[1]
It is also known as Abandoned Women and Not Wanted.[2]
Plot
A woman's sister goes missing in Los Angeles. She goes to city hall to see if she can get any information about her disappearance. Although the police at first can't assist she does get support from a local crime reporter. The two investigate the disappearance which leads them to a shady detective and a black-market baby ring.
Cast
- Dennis O'Keefe as Mark Sitko
- Gale Storm as Paula Considine
- Marjorie Rambeau as Mrs. Leona Donner
- Raymond Burr as Kerric
- Will Kuluva as Little Guy Decola
- Jeff Chandler as Chief MacRae
- Meg Randall as Dottie Jensen
- Jeanette Nolan as Major Ross
- David Clarke as Harry, Mrs. Donner's Chauffeur
- Mike Mazurki as Hoppe
- Perc Launders as Detective Dowd
- Steve Darrell as Detective Brenn
Production
The film was one of a series of semi-documentary movies that were popular at the time. It was based on an original story by Irwin Gielgud commissioned by producer Jerry Bresler.[3] Director Joseph Newman and Bresler had previously worked together in the shorts department at MGM.[4] Ann Blyth was originally announced for the female lead.[5]
It was shot on the Universal backlot and on location in Los Angeles.[6]
Jeff Chandler made the film before Broken Arrow. However, after being cast in that film, he was given star billing for Abandoned.[7]
Reception
Critical response
A.W., writing for The New York Times called the film a "briskly-paced thriller" but said the movie "proceeds along conventional melodramatic lines".[8]
This was Chandler's first film for Universal under a long term contract, and the positive response to his performance began his graduation into leading roles.[9]
References
- ^ Abandoned at the AFI Catalog of Feature Films.
- ^ JEFF CHANDLER MAN OF MANY FACES: He Can Play Any Kind of Character Role, and Is a Glamor Guy, Too Hedda Hopper Writes of Jeff Chandler Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963) [Chicago, Ill] 06 May 1951: c8.
- ^ DUVIVIER TO FILM 'THE FIRST LEGION': Emmett Lavery's 1934 Play Will Go Before Cameras in France Next Year By THOMAS F. BRADYSpecial to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 16 Dec 1948: 41
- ^ Metro May Have Uncle Tom in Grooming Stage; Williams Bid for Italy Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 22 Apr 1949: A7.
- ^ ANN BLYTH TO PLAY LEAD IN U-I MOVIE: She Will Be in 'Abandoned,' Film on Baby Adoption Gang -- Brooks Doing Melodrama By THOMAS F. BRADYSpecial to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 11 Apr 1949: 29.
- ^ Subway Terminal Storm Center of Movie Plot; Zinnemann Deal on Fire Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 09 May 1949: B7
- ^ Jeff Chandler Finally Gets to 'Act His Age': Rising Young (31) Screens Player Considers Himself 'a Lucky Kid' SCHEUER, PHLIP K. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 29 Oct 1950: D3.
- ^ New York Times. Film review, October 27, 1949.
- ^ Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963), "Jeff Chandler Man of Many Faces: He Can Play Any Kind of Character Role, and is a Glamor Guy, Too." Chicago, Ill. May 6, 1951: c8. Hedda Hopper Writes of Jeff Chandler.
External links
- Abandoned at the AFI Catalog of Feature Films
- Abandoned at IMDb
- Abandoned at AllMovie
- Abandoned at the TCM Movie Database
- Abandoned film clip on YouTube