Suddenly (1954). Director: Lewis Allen with a screenplay written by Richard Sale. Cast: Frank Sinatra, Sterling Hayden, James Gleason and Nancy Gates.
Tod Shaw, the sheriff of a town called Suddenly, is dating Ellen Benson, a widow whose husband was killed in the War. Ellen and her young son Pidge live with her father-in-law, Pop Benson, a retired Secret Service agent. Ellen is an overprotective mother and will not allow her son to see war movies or play with toy guns. Ellen cannot believe it when she sees that Tod has bought her son a toy cap pistol. This puts a strain on their relationship.
Soon after, Tod is made aware that a train carrying the President will be arriving at the town's railroad station later in the day. They travel by car to a ranch for a fishing vacation. Tod meets with the secret service, led by agent Dan Carney. Carney and his men secure all the buildings around the station, including the Benson house. Carney is surprised to learn that his former boss Pop lives in the house. Soon, John Baron, Benny Conklin and Bart Wheeler, hired killers posing as FBI agents, arrive and ask to inspect the house. Pop asks Baron why his men are there. Baron orders that no one is to leave the house. He tells Pop about the president's arrival and he has information about a potential threat to the president.
When Tod brings Carney to the house to see Pop, Baron shoots and kills Carney and Conklin shoots Tod in the arm. Baron then threatens to harm the little boy unless they follow his instructions. Will the Sheriff, Pop and Ellen be able to stop Baron from going though with his plans?
Even though it was a very different role for Sinatra performing as a vicious killer, I thought Sinatra was very believable playing his part. Nancy Gates, also gives an emotionally believable performance. James Gleason was perfect as a Gruff Old Man. Suddenly was surprisingly tough film for the era which the film was made.
Click to view the film SUDDENLY in full.
Always fun to read your terrific write-ups, Dawn. I've never seen this film, but now I can thanks to your link! Great work.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting movie, Dawn. I have never seen this film. The plot sounds intriguing and makes me want to find out what is going on right now! Well, tomorrow is Saturday so why not sit down and watch this film. Just checked out your link and I can watch it whenever I want. Thanks for an interesting movie suggestion. Nice post and I enjoyed it, Dawn.
ReplyDeleteNever seen this film, Dawn. You are right about Sinatra--playing a vicious killer was definitely against cast. Sounds like an interesting film, so I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteDawn, interesting review of a really good movie. It is always interesting when someone like Sinatra plays against type -- you are never quite sure if he is going to turn good guy in the end or not. And I have always been a fan of Sterling Hayden. His performance in this was solidly good. But his best performance was in the black comedy "Dr. Strangelove", playing the neurotically psychopathic colonel who was always worried about keeping pure his bodily fluids! He was spooky and hilarious in that role.
ReplyDeleteDawn, it has been a long time since I have seen this film and suddenly you make me want to revisit it! James Gleason, who plays Pop, had an active career. He was in "Meet John Doe," "Arsenic and Old Lace," and "The Night of the Hunter." Yet the role I remember him best for is that of Sylvester, the cab driver who drove Dudley and Julia (Cary Grant and Loretta Young) for their day out, even joining them in ice skating. I enjoyed reading your fun write-up!
ReplyDeleteDawn, I caught this film on A&E a few years ago and found myself intrigued from start to finish. Except for the presence of Sinatra, it almost plays like a sharply-made "B" movie (along the lines of THE NARROW MARGIN). I think it's one of Frank's three best performances (the others being THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE and VON RYAN'S EXPRESS...I love FROM HERE TO ETERNITY but not Frank's performance in it). I am so glad you picked this movie, because not many folks have seen it. And...you were thoughtful enough to enclose a link to it!
ReplyDeleteWow I first saw thus film in the 60's and had it on DVD for years.
ReplyDeleteSinatra's was an intersting screen persona and I generally will catch his films when they air and I have the chance. I've seen this one a few times and think it's one of his better performances. I also enjoy him in his '50's roles,PAL JOEY, GUYS & DOLLS, YOUNG AT HEART, etc., along with his widely acclaimed portrayal in THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE. Don't have a problem with him in FROM HERE TO ETERNITY. Nice work, Dawn...
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone! Rick I agree.. there are parts of the movie where it seems like a "B" movie. I'm a huge Frank Sinatra fan. Love all the movies I have seen him perform in. I think this movie caused trouble for Frank in his personal life because of the subject matter.
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