Abandoned (1949 film)
| Abandoned | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Joseph M. Newman |
| Written by | William Bowers |
| Screenplay by | Irwin Gielgud |
| Story by | Irwin Gielgud |
| Produced by | Jerry Bresler |
| Starring | Dennis O'Keefe Gale Storm Jeff Chandler |
| Cinematography | William H. Daniels |
| Edited by | Edward Curtiss |
Production company | Universal Pictures |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 79 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Abandoned is a 1949 crime film noir directed by Joseph M. Newman and starring Dennis O'Keefe, Gale Storm and Jeff Chandler.[1]
It is also known as Abandoned Women and Not Wanted.[2]
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.[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]
See also
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.