No Escape (1953 film)

No Escape is a 1953 American film noir crime film directed by Charles Bennett starring Lew Ayres, Sonny Tufts and Marjorie Steele.[2][3]

No Escape
Theatrical release poster
Directed byCharles Bennett
Screenplay byCharles Bennett
Produced byMatt Freed
Hugh Mackenzie
StarringLew Ayres
Sonny Tufts
Marjorie Steele
CinematographyBenjamin H. Kline
Edited byRoy V. Livingston
Music byBert Shefter
Production
company
Matthugh Productions
Distributed byUnited Artists
Release date
  • July 31, 1953 (1953-07-31) (United States)
Running time
76 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$176,000[1]

Bennett called the film "dreadful! I had a ten day shooting schedule."[1]

Plot

The action is set in San Francisco where the film opens in a documentary style. When evidence and circumstance in a murder case points to a young woman as the main suspect, both her boyfriend (a police detective) and a struggling songwriter who plays piano in a bar, decide to withhold evidence from the police. Both of them ostensibly act to protect the woman, who believes that she accidentally killed the victim after an attempted sexual assault.

Later, the girl, knowing that the songwriter did not commit the murder, helps him to escape from a police dragnet when he becomes the main suspect. She and the songwriter fall in love and eventually compare notes about the events surrounding the murder, leading them to realize that someone else must be the culprit. The boyfriend is revealed as the actual murderer, and is arrested after he attempts to kill them to hide his guilt.

Cast

Production

The film was based on an original story by Charles Bennett. It was to be the first production from Associated Film Artists, a company formed in 1948 by publicist Whitney Bolton, actor Louis Hayward and director Edgar G. Ulmer.[4]

In December 1949 it was announced Freddie Bisson of Independent Artists would make the film, and was hoping to star Dana Andrews and Robert Cummings.[5]

The film was eventually made by Mattugh Productions, produced by Hugh McKenzie and Mat Freed. It was picked up for release by United Artists.[6]

The film was going to star Louis Hayward but he dropped out when filming shifted to Los Angeles. Shooting started in January 1953.[7][8]

Reception

Critical response

TV Guide gave the film a lukewarm review. The editors wrote, "The plot seems suspenseful but the lackluster direction has no feel for thriller pacing. Things move too slowly with overwritten dialog mouthed in only average performances by the ensemble. However, the music captures the film's potential mood nicely. It's a pity the film does not live up to the score."[9]

References
  1. Schwartzman, Arnold (3 March 1992). "Interview with Charles Bennett". British Entertainment History Project.
  2. No Escape at the American Film Institute Catalog.
  3. NO ESCAPE Monthly Film Bulletin; London Vol. 20, Iss. 228, (Jan 1, 1953): 108.
  4. METRO WILL FILM NEW SLATER NOVEL: Studio Buys the Screen Rights to 'Conspirator' for $40,000 -- Story of Russian Spy By THOMAS F. BRADYS New York Times 27 Apr 1948: 29.
  5. McGraw 'Code 3' Star; Robbins Signs at MGM; Brisson Slates Picture Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 23 Dec 1949: 11.
  6. Of Local Origin New York Times 18 Apr 1953: 17.
  7. 'Slapstick' Will Tell Big Comedy Saga; Tufts Builds British Career Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 12 Jan 1953: B9.
  8. Rita Hayworth to Enact Magdalen; Hayward Will Do 'Saint;' Nolan Pilot Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 21 Jan 1953: B9.
  9. TV Guide. Editors, film review. Accessed: July 18, 2013.
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