I finally saw Sleepers West (1941) which is based on a Frederick Nebel novel Sleepers East (1933), which I have not been able to obtain for comparison, adapted as a "Michael Shayne" vehicle as part of a series starring Lloyd Nolan. Thus I was immediately struck by the resemblance of the Sleepers East plot to Narrow Margin (1952) and its remake. A detective accompanies a not-so-innocent woman to the west coast to make sure she testifies against a criminal. She is hidden on the train and pursued by other criminals who wish to prevent her appearance at the trial.
No credit is given to Nebel or to the screenwriter of Sleepers West (1941). There was an earlier Sleepers East movie (1934) which portrays many of the details of the book that precede the train ride (which in Sleepers West are conveyed by the girl in a lengthy monologue). Sleepers East had Lester Cole and Oscar Levant among the screenwriters. Narrow Margin (1952) had Earl Felton, Martin Goldsmith, and Jack Leonard.
Narrow Margin gives no credit to Nebel or anyone else connected with the Sleepers East or Sleepers West films. The plots are very similar. Some details are different and there is "comic relief" in Sleepers West.
I thought some might be interested. This could merit further research.
No credit is given to Nebel or to the screenwriter of Sleepers West (1941). There was an earlier Sleepers East movie (1934) which portrays many of the details of the book that precede the train ride (which in Sleepers West are conveyed by the girl in a lengthy monologue). Sleepers East had Lester Cole and Oscar Levant among the screenwriters. Narrow Margin (1952) had Earl Felton, Martin Goldsmith, and Jack Leonard.
Narrow Margin gives no credit to Nebel or anyone else connected with the Sleepers East or Sleepers West films. The plots are very similar. Some details are different and there is "comic relief" in Sleepers West.
I thought some might be interested. This could merit further research.
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