SYNOPSIS: "Woman on the Run" (1950) is a gripping film noir that follows the tense and suspenseful story of Eleanor Johnson, whose life is thrown into chaos when her estranged husband, Frank Johnson, becomes the key witness to a murder. Frank goes into hiding after narrowly escaping an attempt on his life, prompting Eleanor to embark on a desperate quest to find him before the killer does. As she navigates the dark and treacherous streets of San Francisco, Eleanor encounters a series of shady characters and uncovers layers of deception. She is pursued by the relentless Inspector Ferris, who believes she knows more than she lets on, and by a mysterious man named Leggett, who offers his help but has his own hidden motives. Throughout her journey, Eleanor's initial indifference towards her husband transforms into a determined resolve to save him, revealing her deep-seated love and loyalty. The film culminates in a tense showdown at a seaside amusement park, where Eleanor must confront the truth and outwit the murderer in a race against time. "Woman on the Run" is a taut and atmospheric thriller that delves into themes of betrayal, redemption, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: "Woman on the Run" (1950) follows Eleanor Johnson, whose husband, Frank Johnson, becomes a key witness in a murder investigation after accidentally seeing a man being shot while walking his dog late at night in San Francisco. The murderer spots Frank and fires at him, but Frank manages to escape, realizing his life is now in grave danger. When the police arrive at Eleanor's apartment, they inform her of the situation and reveal that Frank has gone into hiding to avoid being killed by the murderer, who has now become aware of Frank's identity.

Eleanor, who is initially indifferent due to her estranged relationship with Frank, reluctantly decides to assist the police in finding him. Inspector Ferris leads the investigation and is determined to find Frank before the killer does.

Eleanor's quest to locate her husband takes her through the city, as she revisits places and people connected to Frank. She begins to unravel clues about his whereabouts, learning more about his life and the reasons behind their estrangement.

During her search, Eleanor is approached by a reporter named Dan Leggett, who offers to help her find Frank in exchange for an exclusive story. Despite her reservations about trusting him, Eleanor accepts his assistance, and together they navigate the city's underbelly. As they follow Frank's trail, they encounter various characters, including shady individuals and those who hold key information about the night of the murder.

Eleanor's journey is not only a physical search for Frank but also a personal one, as she reflects on their marriage and the misunderstandings that led to their estrangement. Through her determination and resilience, Eleanor's feelings for Frank resurface, and she becomes more determined to save him.

The climax of the film unfolds at a seaside amusement park, where Frank has been hiding. The suspense heightens as Eleanor and Leggett close in on Frank's location, only to discover that Leggett is actually the murderer, who has been using Eleanor to lead him to Frank. In a tense final showdown, Eleanor must confront Leggett and protect Frank, ultimately leading to a dramatic and satisfying resolution.

"Woman on the Run" is a gripping noir thriller that blends suspense, emotion, and atmosphere, showcasing the strength and determination of its female protagonist as she fights to save her husband and herself from a deadly threat.

PRODUCTION: "Woman on the Run" was a 1950 American film noir directed by Norman Foster and starring Ann Sheridan, Dennis O'Keefe, and Robert Keith. The movie was produced by Frank S. Tashlin and released by Universal-International Pictures.

Pre-production began in February 1949, with screenwriter Sylvia Richards adapting the original story from a novel of the same name by Mildred Johnston. The screenplay underwent several revisions before filming began in September 1949. The budget for the film was set at around $300,000, a relatively modest sum for a feature film at the time.

Casting was an important part of the production process. Ann Sheridan, a prominent star of the 1940s, was chosen to play the lead role of Nan Morgan, a harried wife and mother who becomes embroiled in a crime caper. Dennis O'Keefe, a character actor with a long history of supporting roles, played Steve Carlson, Nan's husband and a seemingly ordinary businessman with secrets of his own. Robert Keith rounded out the main cast as Detective Tom Martin, the skeptical and world-weary investigator tasked with unraveling the mystery.

Filming took place over five weeks in October and November 1949, primarily at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. The crew worked tirelessly to capture the gritty, urban atmosphere that would come to define film noir, with cinematographer Maury Gertsman employing low-key lighting and high-contrast black-and-white photography to create a sense of tension and unease.

The production design team, led by art director Richard H. Riedel and set decorator Russell A. Gausman, worked closely with director Foster to create a sense of realism in the film's sets and locations. The team constructed elaborate sets for Nan's apartment building and the various crime scenes, while also incorporating real-world locations such as Los Angeles' Chinatown district to add texture and authenticity to the story.

The score for "Woman on the Run" was composed by Hans J. Salter, a veteran composer who had worked on numerous films for Universal-International Pictures. Salter's music perfectly captured the mood and atmosphere of the film, using a combination of jazz and orchestral elements to create a sense of tension and suspense.

Post-production wrapped up in December 1949, with editor Edward Curtiss working tirelessly to edit the footage into its final form. The film was released in February 1950, where it received mixed reviews from critics but has since developed a cult following among fans of film noir.

Overall, the production of "Woman on the Run" was marked by careful attention to detail and a commitment to creating a gritty, realistic atmosphere that would come to define the film noir genre. Despite its modest budget and reception at the time of its release, the film has since become a beloved classic of American cinema.

RELEASE: "Woman on the Run" was released on February 24, 1950, by Universal-International Pictures. The film premiered at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, California, with a red-carpet event that drew in several prominent celebrities and industry professionals.

The premiere was a modest success, with many attendees praising the film's gritty realism and Ann Sheridan's strong performance.

In the weeks leading up to its release, Universal-International Pictures had been heavily promoting "Woman on the Run" through a variety of channels. The studio released a trailer for the film that showcased its suspenseful plot and stunning visuals, while also highlighting Ann Sheridan's talent as an actress. Print ads appeared in major newspapers and magazines, featuring bold headlines and eye-catching artwork that emphasized the film's crime caper theme.

Theatrical distribution for "Woman on the Run" was handled by Universal-International Pictures' extensive network of theater chains across the United States. The film opened at select theaters in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, before expanding to smaller markets in subsequent weeks. The studio also arranged for special screenings for industry professionals, including the prestigious New York Film Critics Circle, which praised the film for its "tense and gripping" storytelling.

Upon its release, "Woman on the Run" received mixed reviews from critics. Bosley Crowther of The New York Times wrote that the film was "a tense and suspenseful thriller" with "some effective moments," while Variety magazine praised Sheridan's performance as "superb." However, some critics felt that the film's plot was overly convoluted and that the pacing was slow.

Despite these mixed reviews, "Woman on the Run" performed reasonably well at the box office. According to reports, the film grossed around $1.5 million in its initial release, a modest but respectable sum considering its relatively low budget. The film's success was also helped by its popularity among fans of film noir, who praised its gritty realism and atmospheric direction.

In the months following its release, "Woman on the Run" continued to attract attention from critics and audiences alike. In May 1950, the film was screened at the Cannes Film Festival in France, where it received a lukewarm reception but still generated interest among international critics.

Over time, "Woman on the Run" has developed a cult following among fans of film noir and classic cinema. The film's unique blend of crime drama and suspense has made it a staple of midnight movie screenings and retro festivals, while its atmospheric direction and memorable performances have earned it praise from critics and scholars alike.

Today, "Woman on the Run" is widely regarded as a classic of American cinema, with many considering it one of the best examples of a film noir from the early 1950s. The film's influence can be seen in many later movies and TV shows that have borrowed from its style and themes, making it an important part of American cultural heritage.

CAST:

• Ann Sheridan as Eleanor Johnson

• Dennis O'Keefe as Danny Leggett

• Robert Keith as Inspector Martin Ferris

• Ross Elliott as Frank Johnson

• Frank Jenks as Detective Shaw

• J. Farrell MacDonald as "Mac"

• Victor Sen Yung as "Chinese Waiter"

• Steven Geray as Anton Nagle

• John Qualen as Maibus

• Jane Liddell as Messenger Girl

• Joan Shawlee as Blonde in Bar

• J. Farell McDonald as Sea Captain

• Steven Geray as Dr. Hohler

• Victor Sen Yung as Sam

• Reiko Sato as Suzie

• Syd Saylor as Sullivan

• Tom Dillion as Joe Gordon

CREW:

• Director: Norman Foster

• Producers: Howard Welsch

• Writers: Alan Campbell, Norman Foster (screenplay), Ross Hunter (dialogue), Sylvia Richards (adaptation), Mildred Johnston (story)

• Cinematographer: Hal Mohr

• Editor: Otto Ludwig

• Music: Arthur Lange, Emile Newman

• Art Director: Boris Leven

Production Company: Fidelity Pictures Corporation
Distributor: Universal Pictures

Release Date: November 29, 1950
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 77 minutes
Budget: N/A
Box Office Return: N/A

IMDB Rating =  7.2 / 10

TRIVIA:

• Ann Sheridan was initially reluctant to take on the role of Eleanor Johnson but eventually embraced the challenge of portraying a complex character caught in a web of danger and deception.

• Ann Sheridan and Dennis O'Keefe wrote a lot of their own dialogue.

• Ross Hunter, who'd later go on to produce classic Douglas Sirk melodramas, is credited as dialogue director.

• Robert Keith, the father of Brian Keith, was formerly married to Peg Entwistle, who jumped to her death from the letter "H" on the Hollywoodland sign in 1932.

• The film was originally set in New Orleans but was moved to San Francisco due to financial constraints, much to the delight of cinematographer Hal Mohr, who was from San Francisco.

• Some scenes were shot on location in San Francisco, while others were filmed in downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica.

• The opening scene, which features an informant being murdered, was filmed above the Hill Street Tunnel in Los Angeles.

• The film's cinematographer, Hal Mohr, used innovative camera techniques to capture San Francisco's distinctive architecture and atmosphere.

• The score for "Woman on the Run" was composed by Hans J. Salter.

• The film has gained recognition among film historians for its portrayal of a strong female protagonist in a genre typically dominated by male leads.

• Director Norman Foster's experience in creating suspenseful narratives is evident in the film's tightly woven plot and atmospheric tension.

• The film has been preserved for future generations through the efforts of Eddie Muller, host of Turner Classic's "Noir Alley", who discovered a 35mm print at the British Film Institute and had it restored with financial help from his organization and others.

• The "laughing lady" at the amusement park is also featured in M (1931).

• When Eleanor is doctoring the dog food, she uses Tabasco and Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce - two products that still use the same packaging today.

• Rembrandt the Dog was uncredited but appears throughout the film.

• The San Francisco cab in this 1950 film advertises $1.50 to drive anywhere in S.F. - equivalent to around $25.85 in 2024 dollars.

"Woman on the Run" remains a suspenseful thriller from 1950, acclaimed for its gripping plot, atmospheric cinematography, and nuanced performances, continuing to captivate audiences with its tense narrative and unexpected twists.