No Questions Asked (1951)

Steve Keiver, young lawyer working for an insurance company, hears his boss remark that he'd pay a large sum "no questions asked" for return of stolen property to avoid paying a much larger... See full summary »

Director:

Harold F. Kress

Writers:

Sidney Sheldon (screenplay), Berne Giler (story)

Stars:

Barry Sullivan, Arlene Dahl, George Murphy

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Barry Sullivan	...	Steve Keiver
Arlene Dahl	...	Ellen Sayburn Jessman
George Murphy	...	Police Insp. Matt Duggan
Jean Hagen	...	Joan Brenson
Richard Anderson	...	Detective Walter O'Bannion
Moroni Olsen	...	Henry Manston
Danny Dayton	...	Harry Dycker (as Dan Dayton)
Dick Simmons	...	Gordon N. Jessman
Howard Petrie	...	Franko
William Phipps	...	Roger
William Reynolds	...	Floyd (as William Regnolds)
Mauritz Hugo	...	Marty Callbert
Mari Blanchard	...	Natalie
Robert Sheppard	...	Detective Eddie
Michael Dugan	...	Detective Howard

Storyline

Steve Keiver, young lawyer working for an insurance company, hears his boss remark that he'd pay a large sum "no questions asked" for return of stolen property to avoid paying a much larger claim. On his own initiative, Steve arranges such a deal, earning a nice commission. But he catches the eye of gangsters who think he's the ideal middleman for future similar deals...many of them. As Steve is drawn in deeper, the police take an interest in him, and he's ripe for a doublecross.

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Plot Keywords:

police | missing loot | thug

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Genres:

Drama | Film-Noir

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 June 1951 (USA)

Also Known As:

Discrétion assurée

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

80 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"THE ROYAL ORDER OF CIVIC BOOSTERS"
Written by Alberto Colombo, lyrics Colombo and Sidney Sheldon
Sung by chorus of conventioneers

User Reviews

Some terrific lines

Yes indeed, some terrific lines here, especially by Jean Hagen. She is the jewel of this passable noir. Watch for the scene where she shows up at Sullivan's apartment and the interaction with Arlene Dahl. Priceless and somewhat unexpected given the film's age. Some other good stuff as well, again considering the film's age. Like the holdup by two men disguised as women. Otherwise the main premise of the lawyer who acts as go-between criminals and insurance companies is a bit thin. The acting is fine if not exceptional. Barry Sullivan is convincing as the lawyer out for a fast buck to impress gold digging Arlene Dahl whose presence is enough as usual. But it's Jean Hagen who shines and makes this worth watching, at least for her scenes.