Talk About a Stranger

Talk About a Stranger

Theatrical release poster
Directed by David Bradley
Produced by Richard Goldstone
Screenplay by Margaret Fitts
Based on the story "The Enemy" 
by Charlotte Armstrong
Starring George Murphy
Nancy Davis
Billy Gray
Music by David Buttolph
Cinematography John Alton
Edited by Newell P. Kimlin
Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release dates
  • April 18, 1952 (United States)
Running time
65 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $481,000[1]
Box office $375,000[1]

Talk About a Stranger is a 1952 American film noir released in and directed by David Bradley. The drama features George Murphy, Nancy Davis and Billy Gray.[2]

The motion picture was shot by noted cinematographer John Alton, A.S.C.

Plot

The picture tells the story of Bud Fontaine Jr. (Billy Gray) who takes an instant dislike of Matlock, a strange new neighbor in town (Kurt Kasznar).

After his new-found dog turns up dead by poison, Bud blames the stranger and sets off a campaign to smear his name and spread vicious rumors about him.

His parents (George Murphy and Nancy Reagan) can't seem to handle the boy. After Bud endangers the crops in the valley by his vandalism of the neighbor's oil tank, and is told the dog was killed by eating poisoned meat meant for coyotes, Bud comes to realize that people are not always what they appear to be.

Cast

Reception

According to MGM records the film earned $278,000 in the US and Canada and $97,000 elsewhere resulting in a loss of $276,000 despite its low cost.[1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 The Eddie Mannix Ledger, Los Angeles: Margaret Herrick Library, Center for Motion Picture Study.
  2. Talk About a Stranger at the Internet Movie Database.

External links