The Well (1951)

A small, racially-mixed American town succumbs to violence and utter mayhem after a white man suspected of kidnapping a missing black girl is released by the white authority.

Directors:

Leo C. Popkin (as Leo Popkin), Russell Rouse

Writers:

Russell Rouse (written for the screen by), Clarence Greene (written for the screen by)

Stars:

Gwendolyn Laster, Richard Rober, Maidie Norman

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gwendolyn Laster	...	Carolyn
Richard Rober	...	Ben Kellog
Maidie Norman	...	Mrs. Crawford
George Hamilton	...	Grandfather
Ernest Anderson	...	Mr. Crawford
Dick Simmons	...	Mickey
Lane Chandler	...	Stan
Pat Mitchell	...	Peter
Margaret Wells	...	Schoolteacher
Wheaton Chambers	...	Woody
Michael Ross	...	Frank
Russell Trent	...	Chet
Allen Mathews	...	Hal
John Philips	...	Fred
Walter Morrison	...	Art

Storyline

In a racially-mixed American town, a 5-year-old black girl falls unnoticed into a hidden, forgotten well on her way to school. With nothing better to go on, the police follow up a report that the child was seen with a white stranger, and rumors run wild. Before hapless, innocent Claude Packard is even found, popular hysteria has him tried and convicted. But Packard's troubles pale by comparison as ever more-inflated rumors uncap the well of racial tensions and mob violence. And young Carolyn Crawford, forgotten by most, is still missing.

---

Plot Keywords:

well | child | stranger | kidnapping | black girl | 

---

Taglines:

I have a wife and two kids ... a thing like this can ruin me !

---

Genres:

Drama | Thriller

---

Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 September 1951 (USA)

Also Known As:

El pozo

Filming Locations:

Motion Picture Center Studios, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$450,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Harry Popkin Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The only non-Best Picture Oscar nominee that year to be nominated for Best Editing.

---

Goofs

The gang who was chasing the young man down the street are closer to the car before the scene change of the car driving off.

User Reviews

An unforgettable film.

I can remember seeing this film twice. Once, when it was first released on TV in the late 50s or early 60s; and a second time, in the early 70s. And yet, my memories of it are crystal clear. And it's impact on me as strong as ever. I must admit to being quite surprised to find out that it had actually been nominated for two Academy Awards. Given the racial and political climate of that era, that recognition is remarkable. A wonderful "little" film, that uses strong, clearly drawn characters to tell a powerful story. And not a single computer-generated special effect in sight. Perhaps, the finest "B" picture ever made.