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| Ann Sheridan in 1950’s “Lady on the Run,” her first post-WB movie. |
Upon its launch, Lady on the Run was possible thought of a
B+ car for veteran glamour woman Ann Sheridan. Going through the ‘50s as an
impartial star, Sheridan was solely 35, however she had been within the films since
the early ‘30s.
Notable was that
Sheridan was a producer (uncredited) on this movie, in an try to search out higher
roles than she had of late at WB. In that sense, Ann’s instincts had been good. Lady on the Run was an grownup, gritty,
little movie noir with Sheridan enjoying a sensible function. On the time, Lady felt like a step down, though
she was actively concerned with getting it made. Lady on the Run is now thought of a
rediscovered movie noir gem.
The title’s a misnomer,
because it’s Sheridan’s hubby who’s on the run, and he or she is working after him, attempting to trace him down. (The
authentic brief story was referred to as Man on
the Run.) The couple has drifted aside, although they reside collectively nonetheless,
out of monetary want. He witnesses a homicide and flees, with the unhealthy man, cops,
and Sheridan’s spouse after him.
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| Truly, it is the husband who’s on the lam in 1950’s “Lady on the Run,” performed by Ross Elliot. |
Sheridan’s character,
Eleanor Johnson, is bitter about her husband Frank (Ross Elliot), and provides
brittle wisecracks in response to the cops’ questions on him. With a
reporter she will be able to’t shake—Dennis O’Keefe as Dan Legget, the spouse seeks out her
hubby at his numerous haunts. Alongside the way in which she finds out points to his character
that she did not know and begins to see their marriage in a special mild. On
high of this, the cops and spouse have discovered that the husband has a coronary heart
situation and wishes his remedy.
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| Ann Sheridan’s spouse sardonically reveals off hubby’s artwork work to Robert Keith’s detective in 1950’s “Lady on the Run.” |
The story is ready in
San Francisco and in depth location taking pictures was finished there, including authenticity
to the moody environment in addition to a have a look at 1950 San Fran. The setting feels
realistically working class: the couple’s
condo is sparse, Sheridan’s garments are easy, and also you get an actual really feel for
a struggling couple in post-war USA.
The solid of veteran
actors are nice, with zingy dialogue, however it’s all about Ann Sheridan, who
performs the last word robust cookie that will nonetheless be slightly smooth within the middle—circa
her coronary heart. Sadly, like many golden period stars, Ann instantly began to look a
bit worse for the wear and tear after leaving the massive studios. Solely 35, but she appears to be like
older—although care is given in her close-ups. Sheridan was well-known for chain
smoking, which she does all through Lady
on the Run. Sadly, lung most cancers price Annie her life, only a month earlier than her
52nd birthday in 1967.
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| Along with her post-war brief ‘do, Ann Sheridan jogs my memory a dour model of one other redhead, Lucille Ball in her “I Love Lucy” period! From 1950’s “Lady on the Run.” |
Sheridan’s efficiency
is hard, humorous, melancholy, and pure. Ann’s wisecracking experience was
proper up there with Eve Arden; she was additionally trying a bit like that quickly to be
#1 redhead, Lucille Ball. In all equity, the post-war short-curled coiffures did
no movie diva any favors! Ann Sheridan will get smooth close-ups however is in any other case
photographed realistically, not swathed in deep noir shadows, or discovering any
excuse to vary costumes, like different veteran divas who swanned their approach
by way of ‘50s autos.
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| Ann Sheridan was one in all Hollywood’s super-smokers. Sadly, she died of lung most cancers at simply shy of 52 years in 1967. A key scene from 1950’s “Lady on the Run.” |
***Spoiler alert forward, although revealed half approach by way of the
movie***
Dennis O’Keefe is ok
because the fast-talking reporter, Legget. He completely holds his personal with rapid-fire
repartee with Sheridan and it’s a disgrace that he’s revealed because the villain,
given their chemistry. Robert Keith additionally makes a positive foil as detective to
Sheridan’s sarcastic spouse, each exchanging barbs continuously. I used to be shocked
that this acquainted movie face was actor Brian Keith’s father! Ross Elliot as
Frank Johnson seems within the movie’s opening and shutting scenes, however the
character is talked about all through. Elliot was a preferred film and TV
“everyman” kind for many years. One memorable profession second was when Elliot performed
the director of Lucy Ricardo’s basic Vitameatavegamin business.
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| Dennis O’Keefe because the reporter who’s searching for greater than a scoop, in 1950’s “Lady on the Run.” |
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| Ross Elliot as Sheridan’s hubby, Frank Johnson, in 1950’s “Lady on the Run.” |
Director Norman Foster
had fairly a life and profession, which I used to be pleasantly shocked to search out out.
Good-looking Foster first began in Hollywood as an actor and was first husband to
movie icon Claudette Colbert. Within the mid-30s Foster segued into directing and
screenwriting. When Foster’s movie directing profession pale, he moved into
tv. Alongside the way in which, Foster remarried, to Loretta Younger’s sister, Sally
Blane.
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| Director Norman Foster was as soon as a good-looking actor. |
Hal Mohr’s
cinematography in Lady on the Run is
a basic in movie noir visuals. Hanging angles, shadows, and a superbly
shot amusement park finale give this movie a lot dramatic punch. Mohr received two
Oscars for cinematography. The primary was in a write-in marketing campaign for 1935’s
B&W A Midsummer’s Evening Dream.
The second was for Finest Shade Cinematography for 1943’s The Phantom of the Opera. Off-camera, Mohr was married to actress
Evelyn Venable 40 years till he died in 1974.
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| The rollercoaster scene with Ann Sheridan in 1950’s “Lady on the Run” is intense! |
Alan Campbell, husband
of nice wit Dorothy Parker, wrote the screenplay for Lady on the Run. And star Sheridan’s pal, future super-producer
Ross Hunter, wrote extra dialogue.
It’s notable that movie
noir skilled Eddie Muller mounted a marketing campaign to get Lady on the Run restored, because it had been thought of misplaced. It took
money and time, however restoration was finished, and the movie obtained to belated
acclaim. Now, the movie is a favourite on TCM!
Whereas Lady on the Run has some typical movie
noir twists, they’re fulfilling. However what makes this film stand out is the
life like writing and performances, which retains viewers completely engaged.
Right here’s my have a look at Ann
Sheridan’s 1947 WB car, Nora Prentiss:
https://ricksrealreel.blogspot.com/2019/02/ann-sheridans-glamour-brightens-gloomy.html
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| Ann Sheridan & Dennis O’Keefe make a positive movie duo in 1950’s “Lady on the Run.” |
