The Fallen Sparrow (1943)

In 1940, a former prisoner is determined to find the killer of the New York Police Lt. who helped him escape from a Nazi torture camp in Spain.

Director:

Richard Wallace

Writers:

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

Stars:

John Garfield, Maureen O'Hara, Walter Slezak

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Complete credited 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

Storyline

A former Spanish Civil War prisoner, John McKittrick arrives in New York to find the truth behind the death of his friend Louie Lepetino. He finds himself being chased by Nazi agents who want an item he has brought back from Spain and cannot give up. When another of his friends is murdered, McKittrick realizes that he cannot trust anyone around him - not anyone.

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Plot Keywords:

spanish civil war | nazi | gunfire | drugging | nightclub | 

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Genres:

Drama | Film-Noir | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English German Italian

Release Date:

21 August 1944 (Portugal)

Also Known As:

Beijo da Traição

Company Credits

Production Co:

RKO Radio Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

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.

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Goofs

The Bust which is knocked through the window and crashes out on the street appears in it's original position in the next shot.

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Quotes

John 'Kit' McKittrick: [Last Lines] Another sparrow fell.
Inspector 'Toby' Tobin: So long.

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Connections

Referenced in Exhumed (2003)

User Reviews

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.