The Tall Target (1951)

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(214 ratings)

The Tall Target is based on a true story: the attempted assassination of President-elect Abraham Lincoln, even before he was able to assume his duties in Washington. Dick Powell stars as New York detective John Kennedy, who learns of the assassination plot early on. When his superiors refuse to… More The Tall Target is based on a true story: the attempted assassination of President-elect Abraham Lincoln, even before he was able to assume his duties in Washington. Dick Powell stars as New York detective John Kennedy, who learns of the assassination plot early on. When his superiors refuse to believe his wild tale, Kennedy quits the force and boards the Presidential train, hoping to prevent the killing on his own. The problem: who can he trust on board, and who can't be trusted? Ginny Beaufort (Paula Raymond), the sister of the would-be assassin, might be able to prevent the tragedy -- if she isn't in on the conspiracy, that is. The supporting cast includes Adolphe Menjou, Marshall Thompson, Will Geer, and, as a slave, a young Ruby Dee. The film's nail-biting climax is brilliantly handled by Anthony Mann, whose directorial expertise was becoming sharper with each successive film in the early 1950s. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 18 min.
Directed By: Anthony Mann
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

In Theaters: Aug 17, 1951 Wide
Studio: Warner Bros.

Critic Reviews

Sean Axmaker, Seanax.com
... a film full of dynamic images and marvelous grace notes.
Gabe Leibowitz, Film and Felt
For all its social relevance, The Tall Target is first and foremost a 50's drama, full of action, whiskey, and saucy characters.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Mann's strong direction keeps things taut, fast-paced, very well-detailed and nail-biting.
Fernando F. Croce, Slant Magazine
As in Reign of Terror, Anthony Mann fashions a noir mini-masterpiece out of incongruous period reconstruction.

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Walter M

[font=Century Gothic]In "The Tall Target," Detective Sergeant John Kennedy(Dick Powell) is convinced there will be an attempt on the life of President-Elect Abraham Lincoln when he speaks in Baltimore on the way to the inauguration but nobody will believe him. So, he… More
[font=Century Gothic]In "The Tall Target," Detective Sergeant John Kennedy(Dick Powell) is convinced there will be an attempt on the life of President-Elect Abraham Lincoln when he speaks in Baltimore on the way to the inauguration but nobody will believe him. So, he telegraphs Lincoln in Harrisburg in the hope of diverting and warning him. Once on the Night Flyer Express to Baltimore, he finds his valise but not his friend who has his ticket and later finds him murdered. On returning to his seat, Kennedy finds a man(Leif Erickson) who claims to be him, leaving the real John Kennedy to get Colonel Jeffers(Adolphe Menjou) to vouch for him.[/font] [font=Century Gothic]"The Tall Target" is an entertaining thrill ride of a movie full of twists with a superb performance by Ruby Dee. It is a speculation inspired by real events that nails the history and geography which helps in building suspense as the train gets closer to its date with destiny. Speaking of history, the characters are ordinary people swept up in extraordinary events, each with a separate point of view on Lincoln's election. For most of them, it is just talk but there are people who are vile enough to resort to violence. Kennedy is the only one with a personal connection to Lincoln, being inspired to risk everything on his behalf.[/font]