Desperate (1947)
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67% of users liked it
(201 ratings)
With 1947's Desperate, a disturbing, noirish twist on traditional moral values, responsibility, and guilt, director Anthony Mann entered the ranks of class-A directors, though he'd still have to spend a few more years in "B" pictures. In his first important role, Steve Brodie plays… More With 1947's Desperate, a disturbing, noirish twist on traditional moral values, responsibility, and guilt, director Anthony Mann entered the ranks of class-A directors, though he'd still have to spend a few more years in "B" pictures. In his first important role, Steve Brodie plays newlywed trucker Steve Randall, who finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time during a fur robbery. Kidnapping Steve, the criminals, led by Walt Radak (Raymond Burr), threaten to mutilate Mrs. Randall (Audrey Long) unless Steve confesses to a murder committed by Radak's brother during the theft. Pretending to play along with the villains, Steve manages to escape with his wife in tow. The rest of the film is a prolonged chase, with the Randalls pursued by both the crooks and the cops. A surprise ending caps this film noir mini-classic, which is best appreciated when not seen in its computer-colorized version. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Anthony Mann
- Written By
- Dorothy Atlas, Harry Essex, Martin Rackin
- Genres
- Drama, Classics
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1947 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
[Has] Mann's sense of coiled violence, just waiting to unload.
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Kelly Vance, East Bay Express
The story is standard urban crime stuff, but the director throws in a treasure trove of flourishes.
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Michael E. Grost, Classic Film and Television
Nicely done crime thriller, with some great visual set pieces.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Anthony Mann is a master at directing these cheapie films and making them look stylish.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Cast
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Steve Brodie
as Steve Randall
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Audrey Long
as Anne Randall
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Raymond Burr
as Walt Radak
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Douglas Fowley
as Pete
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William Challee
as Reynolds
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Jason Robards Sr.
as Ferrari
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Freddie Steele
as Shorty
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Lee Frederick
as Joe
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Paul E. Burns
as Uncle Jan
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Ilka Gruning
as Aunt Klara
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Ernie S. Adams
as Villager
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Erville Alderson
as Simon Pringle
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George Anderson
as Man on Train
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William Norton Bailey
as Traveling Salesman
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Jack Baxley
as Dr. Wilson
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Robert Bray
as Policeman
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Kay Christopher
as Nurse
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Dick Elliott
as Hat Lewis
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Charles Flynn
as State Trooper
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Carol Forman
as Mrs. Roberts
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Ralf Harolde
as Doctor with Walt
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Hans Herbert
as Rev. Alex
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Teddy Infur
as Richard
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Carl Kent
as Detective
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Donald Kerr
as Vendor on Train
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Milt Kibbee
as Mac
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Perc Launders
as Manny
- Nan Leslie
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Art Miles
as Truck Driver
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Jay Norris
as Villager
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Larry Nunn
as Al Radak
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Netta Packer
as Woman on Train
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Eddie Parks
as Mr. Franks
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Marshall Ruth
as Traveling Salesman
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Carl Saxe
as Policeman
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Michael Visaroff
as Villager
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Robert Clarke
as Bus Driver
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Frank O'Connor
as Conductor
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Robert Peyton
as Joe
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Joe Recht
as Bellhop
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Elena Warren
as Mrs. Oliver
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Bill Wallace
as Policeman
