Bodyguard (1948)

Homicide detective Mike Carter is tossed off the police force for insubordination and violating regulations. He reluctantly takes a job as bodyguard to Mrs. Gene Dysen, the owner of a local... See full summary »

Director:

Richard Fleischer

Writers:

Fred Niblo Jr. (screenplay), Harry Essex (screenplay),

Stars:

Lawrence Tierney, Priscilla Lane, Phillip Reed

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Lawrence Tierney	...	Mike Carter
Priscilla Lane	...	Doris Brewster
Phillip Reed	...	Freddie Dysen
June Clayworth	...	Connie Fenton
Elisabeth Risdon	...	Gene Dysen
Steve Brodie	...	Fenton
Frank Fenton	...	Lieutenant Borden
Charles Cane	...	Capt. Wayne

Storyline

Homicide detective Mike Carter is tossed off the police force for insubordination and violating regulations. He reluctantly takes a job as bodyguard to Mrs. Gene Dysen, the owner of a local meat-packing plant. In investigating threats against her life, Carter begins unraveling the murder of a meat inspector at the plant, but not before he himself is framed for the murder of his former supervisor on the police force.

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Plot Keywords:

murder | plant | police | bodyguard | detective | 

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Taglines:

A Real "Who-done-it" Thriller

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Film-Noir | Mystery | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 September 1948 (USA)

Also Known As:

Crime na Estrada

Filming Locations:

Cahuenga Blvd., Studio City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

RKO Radio Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

62 min 75 min (director's cut)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Final film of Priscilla Lane.

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Goofs

When Carter drives up to Dysen's house, the handbrake can be heard long before the car actually stops.

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Connections

References Gone with the Wind (1939)

User Reviews

Bodyguard (1948)

Lawrence Tierney plays a homicide detective who gets kicked off the force for his bad temper. He lands a bodyguard job, but soon finds himself framed for murder. Although it's hardly a noir masterpiece, it's an enjoyable film that ranks among Fleischer's better efforts. The script (by a young Robert Altman, of all people!) is tight and lean, with some fun bits of business. The photography is not especially memorable, but it gets the job done and there are a few unusual close-ups. It's nice to see Tierney in a role that allows him to stretch a little more than his usual "psychotic heavy" parts, and he has a lively chemistry with the adorable Priscilla Lane. The whodunit aspect of the film isn't all that satisfying (you can guess who the bad guy is the moment you see him/her) but it's got some nice details and is sufficiently entertaining.