Walk East on Beacon! (1952)

A G-man searches for a communist sleeper-cell in Boston.

Director:

Alfred L. Werker (as Alfred Werker)

Writers:

Laurence Heath (additional writing) (as Leonard Heideman), J. Edgar Hoover (article)

Stars:

George Murphy, Finlay Currie, Virginia Gilmore

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
George Murphy	...	Inspector James 'Jim' Belden
Finlay Currie	...	Professor Albert Kafer
Virginia Gilmore	...	Millie Zalenko / Teresa Henning
Karel Stepanek	...	Alexi Laschenkov / Gregory Anders
Louisa Horton	...	Mrs. Elaine Wilben
Peter Capell	...	Chris Zalenko / Gino
Bruno Wick	...	Luther Danzig
Jack Manning	...	Melvin Foss / Vincent
Karl Weber	...	FBI Agent Charlie Reynolds
Robert A. Dunn	...	Dr. Wincott (as Rev. Robert Dunn)
Vilma Kurer	...	Mrs. Rita Foss
Michael Garrett	...	Michael Dorndoff / Frank Torrance
Lotte Palfi Andor	...	Mrs. Anna Kafer (as Lotte Palfi)
Ernest Graves	...	Robert Martin
Robert Carroll	...	Boldany

Storyline

A G-man searches for a communist sleeper-cell in Boston.

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Plot Keywords:

wristwatch | umbrella | based on article | spy | communist infiltrator | 

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Taglines:

MOST THRILLING PICTURE SINCE "HOUSE ON 92ND STREET"! (original print ad - all caps)

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Genres:

Drama | Film-Noir | Thriller

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Russian

Release Date:

June 1952 (USA)

Also Known As:

Louis de Rochemont's Walk East on Beacon!

Filming Locations:

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

RD-DR Productions,Columbia Pictures Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

A sequence involving two Russian agents meeting covertly in a bar is underscored by Jack Shaindlin's song "I'm Tickled Pink" which is playing in the bar - the lyrics of which appear to add a comic overtone to the Communist-busting theme of the film. The exact same recording of the song is used in the popular video game "Fallout 3".

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Connections

Spoofed in Brazil (1985)

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Soundtracks

I'm Tickled Pink
(uncredited)
Music by Jack Shaindlin
Played in a bar

User Reviews

This SHOULD have been a lot more exciting than it was.

"Walk East on Beacon!" is a product of the times. Following WWII, the good will between the US and USSR bottomed out quickly and instead of being friends, the Soviets took over Eastern Europe and parts of East Asia. In response, the US became very paranoid about communism and the notion of communists infiltrating the county....so a movie like this isn't the least bit surprising. Some of the movies are fun to watch...some, like this one, are surprisingly ordinary.

The film is about an attempt by communist moles to capture a top scientist and force him to work for the USSR. Professor Kafer (Finlay Currie) is worried because his son disappeared. Apparently, the communists have kidnapped him and say they'll return him IF the Professor cooperates. Fortunately, American FBI agents are on the case and hope to not only rescue the son but break up this network of spies.

The story was interesting. But it also was surprisingly low energy considering the subject matter. Also, having George Murphy anchor the film didn't help, as he always seemed more passive than most actors....and here he gives a typically bland performance. Overall, not a bad film....but I would have expected more fireworks considering the topic.