Abandoned (1949 film)
Abandoned | |
---|---|
![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Joseph M. Newman (as Joe Newman) |
Written by | Irwin Gielgud William Bowers (additional dialogue) |
Produced by | Jerry Bresler |
Starring | Dennis O'Keefe Gale Storm Jeff Chandler |
Cinematography | William H. Daniels |
Edited by | Edward Curtiss |
Music by | Walter Scharf |
Color process | Black and white |
Production company | |
Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 79 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Abandoned is a 1949 American crime film noir directed by Joseph M. Newman and starring Dennis O'Keefe, Gale Storm and Jeff Chandler.[2][3]
It is also known as Abandoned Women and Not Wanted.[4]
Plot[]
After her sister goes missing in Los Angeles, a woman tries to find information about the disappearance at city hall. The police are not helpful, but she does get support from a local crime reporter. As the two investigate the disappearance together, they are led to a shady detective and a black-market baby ring.
Cast[]
- Dennis O'Keefe as Mark Sitko
- Gale Storm as Paula Considine
- Jeff Chandler as Chief MacRae
- Meg Randall as Dottie Jensen
- Raymond Burr as Kerric
- Marjorie Rambeau as Mrs. Donner
- Jeanette Nolan as Major Ross
- Mike Mazurki as Hoppe
- Will Kuluva as Little Guy Decola
- David Clarke as Harry
- William Frambes as Scoop (as William Page)
- Sid Tomack as Mr. Humes
- Perc Launders as Dowd
- Steve Darrell as Brenn
- Clifton Young as Eddie
- Ruth Sanderson as Mrs. Spence
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.[5] Director Joseph M. Newman and Bresler had previously worked together in the shorts department at MGM.[6] Ann Blyth was originally announced for the female lead.[7]
It was shot on the Universal backlot and on location in Los Angeles.[8]
Jeff Chandler made the film before Broken Arrow. However, after being cast in that film, he was given star billing for Abandoned.[9]
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".[10]
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.[11]
See also[]
References[]
- ^ Abandoned at the American Film Institute Catalog
- ^ Abandoned at the American Film Institute Catalog.
- ^ Silver, Alain (2010). Film Noir: The Encyclopedia. p. 23. ISBN 978-0715638804.
- ^ "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 May 6, 1951: c8.
- ^ "DUVIVIER TO FILM 'THE FIRST LEGION': Emmett Lavery's 1934 Play Will Go Before Cameras in France Next Year" by THOMAS F. BRADY Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times December 16, 1948: 41
- ^ "Metro May Have Uncle Tom in Grooming Stage; Williams Bid for Italy" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times April 22, 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. BRADY Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times April 11, 1949: 29.
- ^ "Subway Terminal Storm Center of Movie Plot; Zinnemann Deal on Fire" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times May 9, 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 October 29, 1950: D3.
- ^ Film review New York Times, October 27, 1949.
- ^ Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune, "Jeff Chandler Man of Many Faces: He Can Play Any Kind of Character Role, and is a Glamor Guy, Too." May 6, 1951: c8. Hedda Hopper Writes of Jeff Chandler.
External links[]
- Abandoned at the American Film Institute Catalog
- Abandoned at IMDb
- Abandoned at AllMovie
- Abandoned at the TCM Movie Database
- Abandoned at Rotten Tomatoes
- Abandoned film clip on YouTube
- 1949 films
- English-language films
- 1940s crime thriller films
- American crime thriller films
- American films
- American black-and-white films
- Film noir
- Universal Pictures films
- Films directed by Joseph M. Newman