Breakdown (1952 film)
Breakdown is a 1952 American crime film noir directed by Edmond Angelo starring Ann Richards, William Bishop and Anne Gwynne. It was the last film of Richards before she retired.[1]
| Breakdown | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Edmond Angelo |
| Written by | Robert Abel |
| Based on | the play The Samson Slasher by Robert Abel |
| Produced by | Edmond Angelo |
| Starring | Ann Richards William Bishop Anne Gwynne |
| Cinematography | Paul Ivano |
| Edited by | Robert M. Leeds |
| Music by | Paul Dunlap |
Production company | Pegasus Productions |
| Distributed by | Realart Pictures Inc. |
Release date |
|
Running time | 76 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The film was also known as Decision.
Plot
Framed for murder, heavyweight boxer Terry Williams (Bishop) is sent to prison, but is released after a few years on good behavior. He becomes a championship contender and then, on the eve of the big fight, finds the man who can prove that he was framed for the crime for which he served time.
Cast
- Ann Richards as June Hannum
- William Bishop as Terry Williams
- Anne Gwynne as Candy Allen
- Sheldon Leonard as Nick Samson
- Wally Cassell as Pete Samson
- Richard Benedict as Punchy
- Joe McTurk as Longshot McGinnis
- John Vosper as Judge Sam Hannum
- Roy Engel as Al Bell
- Norman Rainey as Doc
- Hal Baylor as Joe Thompson
- Elena Sirangelo as Mrs. Prescott
- Gene Covelli as Gumbo, the newsboy
- Michelle King as Girl in Audience
- Al Cantor as Joe DeVito
Production
Pegasus Productions was a company headed by Max Gifford which announced they were going to make three films. One of these was The Slasher based on a play by Robert Abel. Abel had been a prize fighter for four years.[2] He had written a play The Big Shot which was produced on stage in 1951, directed by Edmund Angelo.[3]
Abel then wrote The Slasher and Angelo signed to direct. His wife Ann Richards played the female lead.[4] It was Richards' first film in three years.[5] It was then known as Decisions.[6]
Filming started 1 December 1951 at Republic Studios. Filming went for eleven days.[7]
Pegagus' second production was to be You're Not So Dangerous and was to star Richards as a social worker confused for a gangster's moll.[8]
References
- "BREAKDOWN". Monthly Film Bulletin. London. 20 (228): 8. 1 January 1953. ProQuest 1305819491.
- T. M. (Dec 9, 1951). "HOLLYWOOD MEMOS". New York Times. ProQuest 111903138.
- Schallert, E. (Jan 24, 1951). "Wordy, sordid back-stage play has strong scenes". Los Angeles Times. ProQuest 166175072.
- Schallert, E. (Oct 2, 1951). "Drama 1-...". Los Angeles Times. ProQuest 166235151.
- "Monte carlo ballet hits road to city". Los Angeles Times. Oct 4, 1951. ProQuest 166270204.
- "Star gains more fame". Los Angeles Times. Nov 24, 1951. ProQuest 166224261.
- Pryor, Thomas M. (1 December 1951). "WARNERS AT WORK ON A NEW MUSICAL; Winston Miller Writing Script With Western Background for 'At the End of the Rainbow'". The New York Times. ProQuest 112105428.
- Schallert, E. (Oct 9, 1951). "Drama". Los Angeles Times. ProQuest 166245045.