Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Mala Powers | ... | Ann Walton | |
Tod Andrews | ... | Rev. Bruce Ferguson | |
Robert Clarke | ... | Jim Owens | |
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Raymond Bond | ... | Eric Walton |
Lillian Hamilton | ... | Mrs. Walton (as Lilian Hamilton) | |
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Rita Lupino | ... | Stella Carter |
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Hal March | ... | Detective Sergeant Hendrix |
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Kenneth Patterson | ... | Tom Harrison |
Jerry Paris | ... | Frank Marini | |
Angela Clarke | ... | Madge Harrison | |
Roy Engel | ... | Sheriff Charlie Hanlon | |
Lovyss Bradley | ... | Mrs. Miller | |
Hamilton Camp | ... | Shoeshine Boy (as Robin Camp) | |
William Challee | ... | Lee Wilkins | |
Tristram Coffin | ... | Judge McKenzie |
A young girl is raped while coming home from work. The trauma of the attack turns her away from her parents and her fiancé, and, unable to face society, she runs away and, using an assumed name, takes a job on an orange ranch. A young clergyman takes an interest in her, although she won't confide in him. When a ranch hand tries to kiss her, she relives her terrifying experience and nearly kills him. She is arrested but when her identity is established and the facts of her case are brought forth, the clergyman convinces the court that it is society that should shoulder the blame. He helps rebuild her faith and send her back to her parents and fiancé. Written by Les Adams <longhorn1939@suddenlink.net>
Forget that this is a "B" movie. Forget that it is in many ways outdated. Instead give writer-director Ida Lupino much deserved credit for addressing a subject which at the time (1950) was taboo in Hollywood. To my knowledge, this was the first film to address the subject of rape and the emotional and mental effects that that crime has upon its victims.
Although much of the cast's acting is pedestrian at best, Mala Powers, who at the time was eighteen or nineteen, gives an excellent performance throughout as the traumatized young woman, Ann, who tries to run away from her "shame." Based on her work in this film, I'm surprised that she did not have a more successful acting career. Tod Andrews, too, has some fine moments as the minister who reaches out to help her.
Ms Lupino, obviously working on a limited budget, was still able to create some memorable scenes such as the pursuit through the streets and alleys leading to the rape, and the police lineup following it. And, she created a bittersweet ending which left me wondering if Ann really could ever have a normal life again.