Abandoned (1949 film)

Abandoned
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Joseph M. Newman
(as Joe Newman)
Produced by Jerry Bresler
Written by William Bowers
(additional dialogue)
Screenplay by Irwin Gielgud
Story by Irwin Gielgud
Starring Dennis O'Keefe
Gale Storm
Jeff Chandler
Cinematography William H. Daniels
Edited by Edward Curtiss
Production
company
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date
  • October 6, 1949 (1949-10-06) (Detroit, Michigan)
  • October 26, 1949 (1949-10-26) (New York City)
  • October 28, 1949 (1949-10-28) (Los Angeles)
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.[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

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 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

  1. ↑ Abandoned at the American Film Institute Catalog
  2. ↑ Abandoned at the American Film Institute Catalog.
  3. ↑ Silver, Alain (2010). Film Noir: The Encyclopedia. p. 23. ISBN 978-0715638804.
  4. ↑ 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] May 6, 1951: c8.
  5. ↑ 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 (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] December 16, 1948: 41
  6. ↑ Metro May Have Uncle Tom in Grooming Stage; Williams Bid for Italy Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] April 22, 1949: A7.
  7. ↑ 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 (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] April 11, 1949: 29.
  8. ↑ Subway Terminal Storm Center of Movie Plot; Zinnemann Deal on Fire Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] May 9, 1949: B7
  9. ↑ 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] October 29, 1950: D3.
  10. ↑ New York Times. Film review, October 27, 1949.
  11. ↑ 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.
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