The Unknown Man
| The Unknown Man | |
|---|---|
 movie poster |
|
| Directed by | Richard Thorpe |
| Produced by | Robert Thomsen |
| Written by | George Froeschel Ronald Millar |
| Starring | Walter Pidgeon Ann Harding Barry Sullivan |
| Distributed by | MGM |
| Release date(s) | November 16, 1951 U.S. release |
| Running time | 86 min |
| Language | English |
The Unknown Man is a 1951 courtroom drama film starring Walter Pidgeon.
[edit] Plot
Defense attorney Dwight Bradley Masen is successful in seeking the acquittal of a young man, Rudi Walchek, accused of knifing to death the 19-year-old son of a local locksmith, but when Rudi lets a comment slip after the trial, Masen realizes he has defended a guilty man. Masen discovers that Rudi is also a member of a syndicate extorting money from the scared merchants in the locksmith's neighborhood. After unearthing new evidence, Masen tries to convince the D.A. to retry the case, but the latter refuses on grounds that it would be double jeopardy.
Masen discovers that the head of the citizens' crime commission, is also involved in the syndicate. In a rage Masen kills Layford, but the murder is pinned on Rudi. Despite sensing a higher justice at work, Masen feels obliged to defend Rudi once again. This time Rudi is found guilty. Masen confesses to the D.A. that he is the culprit, but the D.A. feels justice has been served and refuses to reopen the case. Masen makes one final visit to Rudi in prison, confesses, gives him the murder weapon and turns his back to Rudi to await his fate.
[edit] Featured cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Walter Pidgeon | Dwight Bradley 'Brad' Masen |
| Ann Harding | Stella Masen |
| Barry Sullivan | DA Joe Bucknor |
| Keefe Brasselle | Rudi Walchek |
| Lewis Stone | Judge James V. Holbrook |
| Eduard Franz | Andrew Jason 'Andy' Layford |
