Pittsburgh (1942)

Charles 'Pittsburgh' Markham rides roughshod over his friends, his lovers, and his ideals in his trek toward financial success in the Pittsburgh steel industry, only to find himself ... See full summary »

Director:

Lewis Seiler

Writers:

Kenneth Gamet (screenplay), Tom Reed (screenplay),

Stars:

Marlene Dietrich, Randolph Scott, John Wayne

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Marlene Dietrich	...	Josie Winters
Randolph Scott	...	Cash Evans
John Wayne	...	Pittsburgh Markham
Frank Craven	...	'Doc' Powers
Louise Allbritton	...	Shannon Prentiss
Shemp Howard	...	Shorty
Thomas Gomez	...	Joe Malneck
Ludwig Stössel	...	Dr. Grazlich
Samuel S. Hinds	...	Morgan Prentiss
Paul Fix	...	Mine Operator
William Haade	...	Johnny
Charles Coleman	...	Butler
Nestor Paiva	...	Barney

Storyline

Charles 'Pittsburgh' Markham rides roughshod over his friends, his lovers, and his ideals in his trek toward financial success in the Pittsburgh steel industry, only to find himself deserted and lonely at the top. When his crash comes, he finds that fate has dealt him a second chance.

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Plot Keywords:

steel | rival | beating | telephone call | love interest | 

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Taglines:

BRAWNY! BOLD! BIG! (1953 reissue poster)

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 December 1942 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ena hamogelo stin Kolasi

Filming Locations:

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Charles K. Feldman Group, Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

"The Screen Guild Theater" broadcast a 30 minute radio adaptation of the movie on April 12, 1943 with Marlene Dietrich, John Wayne and Randolph Scott reprising their film roles.

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Goofs

Although the bulk of the picture takes place in the 1920s, clothes and hair styles are strictly up-to-the-minute 1942, when the picture was made. Early in the film, when the participants are supposedly racing to a mine disaster in the Pittsburgh area circa 1920, stock footage of a chase through downtown Los Angeles circa 1942 is used.

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Soundtracks

"Darktown Strutters'"
Ball
1917 (uncredited)
Words and music by Shelton Brooks
Played in scene at supper club

User Reviews

A Western in the East

No doubt things were confusing at the onset of World War Two, especially with one American defeat after another, yet political confusion is no reason to move Dodge City to Pennsylvania and call it Pittsburgh. This movie is a warmed-over western, pure and simple. All the ingredients of a formula plot are incorporated, including the ambition, the fist fight and the rich "cowgirl." The themes of redemption for the good of the nation and cooperation in steel production define the conversion of steel plants during the war. The only real question is whether an overly ambitious industrialist (John Wayne) can be corralled for the benefit of the nation, of labour, and of the company itself. The acting is fairly stiff and the plot predictable. One expects more from the film, but it just doesn't happen. Redemption is a common salvation for overly selfish industrialist, but there is little that can redeem this movie--it seems to be a remake of a remake of a remake. For anyone who likes westerns, this movie is ideal. How often does one find a western in the East?