Abandoned (1949 film)

Abandoned

Theatrical release poster
Directed by Joseph M. Newman
Produced by Jerry Bresler
Screenplay by Irwin Gielgud
William Bowers
Based on original story by Irwin Gielgud
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 date
  • September 21, 1949 (1949-09-21) (Los Angeles)
  • October 26, 1949 (1949-10-26) (United States)
  • October 28, 1949 (1949-10-28) (New York City)
Running time
 79 minutes
Country United States
Language English

Abandoned is a 1949 crime film noir directed by Joseph M. Newman starring Dennis O'Keefe, Gale Storm and Jeff Chandler.[1]

It is also known as Abandoned Women and Not Wanted.[2]

Plot

A woman's sister goes missing in Los Angeles. She goes to city hall to see if she can get any information about her disappearance. Although the police at first can not assist, she does get support from a local crime reporter. The two investigate the disappearance which leads them 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.[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

  1. ↑ Abandoned at the American Film Institute Catalog.
  2. ↑ 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.
  3. ↑ 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
  4. ↑ 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.
  5. ↑ 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.
  6. ↑ 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
  7. ↑ 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.
  8. ↑ New York Times. Film review, October 27, 1949.
  9. ↑ 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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