The Sellout (1951)

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(11 ratings)

Gerald Mayer proved once more that he had talent above and beyond being the nephew of MGM-head Louis B. Mayer with his direction of The Sellout. The story begins with a bang, as big-city newspaper editor Haven Allridge (Walter Pidgeon) falls victim to the small-town tyranny of corrupt sheriff… More Gerald Mayer proved once more that he had talent above and beyond being the nephew of MGM-head Louis B. Mayer with his direction of The Sellout. The story begins with a bang, as big-city newspaper editor Haven Allridge (Walter Pidgeon) falls victim to the small-town tyranny of corrupt sheriff Kellwin C. Burke (Thomas Gomez). Poised to launch an investigation of Burke's underhanded activities, Allridge is suddenly intimidated into silence. Crusading state's attorney Chick Johnson (John Hodiak) discovers that Burke is keeping Allridge quiet by threatening to reveal the criminal activities of Allridge's son-in-law Randy Stanton (Cameron Mitchell). The final reels illustrate the thesis of Edmund Burke that evil will triumph so long as good men do nothing -- except that this time, they do something. Though hardly a big-budget effort, The Sellout boasts an unusually strong cast, including the aforementioned actors, as well as Karl Malden and Everett Sloane. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 23 min.
Directed By: Gerald Mayer
Genres: Drama

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Its tale of corruption and intimidation by the law enforcers is old news.

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Cast

            Walter Pidgeon as Haven D. Allridge

            Paula Raymond as Peggy Stauton

            John Hodiak as Chick Johnson

            Audrey Totter as Cleo Bethel

            Thomas Gomez as Sheriff Kellwin C. Burke

            Cameron Mitchell as Randy Stauton

            Karl Malden as Buck Maxwell

            Everett Sloane as Nelson S. Tarsson

            Jonathan Cott as Ned Grayton

            Frank Cady as Bennie Amboy

            Hugh Sanders as Judge Neeler

            Griff Barnett as J.R. Morrisson

            Burt Mustin as Elk M. Ludens

            Whit Bissell as Wilfred Jackson

            Roy Engel as Sam F. Slaper

            Jeff Richards as Truck Driver

            Vernon Rich as Court Clerk

            Roy Butler as Prisoner

            Cliff Clark as Police Chief

            Frankie Darro as Little Jake

            John Dierkes as Big Jake

            Bob Stevenson as Bailiff

            Ann Tyrrell as Jennie Nova

            Robert B. Williams as Barney the Taxi Driver

            Benny Rubin as Smoke Shop Proprietor

            Mabel Smaney as Fat Woman

            Jack Sherman as Bartender
See full cast

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