The Scarf (1951)

John Barrington escapes from an asylum for the criminally-insane and finds refuge on the ranch of turkey-raiser Ezra Thompson. Barrington, who has suffered from amnesia, finds his memory ... See full summary »

Director:

Ewald André Dupont

Writers:

Isadore Goldsmith (story), E.A. Rolfe (story),

Stars:

John Ireland, Mercedes McCambridge, James Barton

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Ireland	...	John Howard Barrington
Mercedes McCambridge	...	Connie Carter
James Barton	...	Ezra Thompson
Emlyn Williams	...	Dr. David Dunbar
Lloyd Gough	...	Asylum Dr. Gordon
Basil Ruysdael	...	Cyrus Barrington
David Wolfe	...	Level Louie
Harry Shannon	...	Asylum Warden Anderson
Celia Lovsky	...	Mrs. Cyrus Barrington
David McMahon	...	State Trooper (as Dave McMahon)
Chubby Johnson	...	Feed Store Manager
Frank Jenks	...	Tom - Drunk cowboy
Emmett Lynn	...	Jack the Waiter
Dick Wessel	...	Sid - Drunk cowboy
Frank Jaquet	...	Town Sheriff

Storyline

John Barrington escapes from an asylum for the criminally-insane and finds refuge on the ranch of turkey-raiser Ezra Thompson. Barrington, who has suffered from amnesia, finds his memory returning slightly and he sets out on his mission of learning the truth about whether or not he really murdered his sweetheart and is actually insane. He goes to Los Angeles to visit his oldest-and-best friend, psychiatrist David Dunbar, who was a witness to Barrington's crime. Dunbar repeats his story to Barrington, convinces Barrington that he did commit the crime, and then betrays him to the police. However, Thompson, Connie Carter and others are not totally convinced of Barrington's guilt.

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Plot Keywords:

sweetheart | escape | psychiatrist | amnesia | turkey the bird | 

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Genres:

Drama | Film-Noir | Thriller

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 April 1951 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Dungeon

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gloria Productions Inc.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min 87 min (TCM print)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Ezra Thompson: Before a bullet every man is equal, right as in the Constitution!

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Soundtracks

"Summer Rains"
Written by Sammy John DeFazio, Herschel Burke Gilbert (uncredited)
Charles Milton Daniel and Gilbert Hugh Hall
Sung by Mercedes McCambridge (dubbed by ?)

User Reviews

One of the better film noir of the fifties.

It was rumored that after his role in ALL THE KING'S MEN, John Ireland had demanded too much from the studios. This smaller production is filmed in the same slow mist of the hero's memory. Mercedes McCambridge is excellent as the female support. James Barton gives great support on the male side. It is a strong well acted performance. It should be shown more often. It is a shame that features like this are not shown on today's cable systems or available in any format.