The Fallen Sparrow (1943)

User Rating:

6.9/10   

Director:

Richard Wallace

Writers:

Dorothy B. Hughes (novel)
Warren Duff (screenplay)

Genre:

Film-Noir | Thriller

Plot:

A former Spanish Civil War prisoner, John McKittrick arrives in New York to find the truth behind the death of his friend Louie Lepetino...

Plot Keywords:

Nazi | Spanish Civil War | Prisoner Of War | Party | Impersonation

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar.

Cast

John Garfield	...	John 'Kit' McKittrick
Maureen O'Hara	...	Toni Donne
Walter Slezak	...	Dr. Christian Skaas
Patricia Morison	...	Barby Taviton
Martha O'Driscoll	...	Whitney 'The Imp' Parker
Bruce Edwards	...	Ab Parker
John Banner	...	Anton
John Miljan	...	Inspector 'Toby' Tobin
Hugh Beaumont	...	Otto Skaas

Runtime:

94 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | German | Italian

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Certification:

USA:Approved (PCA #9726) | USA:TV-PG (TV rating) | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Sweden:(Banned) (1944)

Company:

RKO Radio Pictures

Trivia:

Many cast members in studio records/casting call lists did not appear or were not identifiable in the movie. These were (with their character names): Russell Wade (Ab Hamilton), Russ Powell (Priest), 'James Farley' (Bartender), Charles Lung (Carlo), Martin Faust (Chef at Carlo's Cafe), Lillian West (Receptionist), Miles Mander (Dr. Gudmundson) and Edith Evanson (Nurse). A modern source lists Russell Wade as a "Flower Seller", but there were no flower sellers in the film.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Exhumed (2003) (V)

The One and Only Garfield

Long before the "method" style "invaded" the acting profession, there were many equally fine performers which came before the mid-'50s "movement."

These "predecessors" didn't wear their craft-on-their-sleeve as much; in fact, many (like Tracy, Ryan, and Cagney) behaved so naturally, it was as though they were speaking their own lines. One such earlier talent was John Garfield.

A consummate performer, Garfield could seemingly do no wrong--not make one false move. In film after film, he didn't appear to be acting; rather he was just "being" the character.

Although "The Fallen Sparrow" isn't one of Garfield's greatest parts or films, he's on target in every scene. Yes, it's called "talent, star quality," and Garfield's got "it."

With a respectable "noir" script, and peopled with a solid cast of leads and supporters, "Sparrow" manages to engage the attention and create genuine interest throughout. A good looking, sharp and crisp, black-and-white production design enhances this presentation, which also features the always dependable Maureen O'Hara and Walter Slezak.