13 West Street

13 West Street

Theatrical poster
Directed by Philip Leacock
Produced by William Bloom
Alan Ladd
Screenplay by Bernard C. Schoenfeld
Robert Presnell Jr.
Based on The Tiger Among Us (1957) by Leigh Brackett
Starring Alan Ladd
Rod Steiger
Music by George Duning
Edited by Al Clark
Production
company
Ladd Enterprises
Distributed by Columbia Pictures
Release dates
 June 6, 1962
Running time
 80 minutes
Country United States
Language English

13 West Street is a 1962 American black-and-white drama film starring Alan Ladd.[1] It was based on the novel The Tiger Among Us (1957) by Leigh Brackett, who called the film "very, very dull".[2]

This was the last leading role in a film for Ladd before his death at age 50. He appeared in only one more movie, The Carpetbaggers in 1964, in a supporting role. This was also Kenneth MacKenna's last film.

Plot

For no discernible reason, scientist Walt Sherill is assaulted and viciously beaten by a group of well-dressed young men. When the police, including investigating officer Detective Koleski, are in his opinion too slow in finding the culprits, Sherill decides to go after them on his own.

A private investigator's work leads him to Chuck Landry, the gang's leader. Sherill's non-stop search for revenge causes one member of the gang to commit suicide. Landry counters by kidnapping Sherill's wife, Tracey, and the private eye is killed.

Sherill goes directly to the boy's home and beats him savagely. On the verge of killing him, Sherill finally relents, turning Landry over to Koleski to be placed under arrest.

Cast

Production

Leigh Brackett's novel The Tiger Among Us was originally published in 1957.[3] Film rights were purchased by producer Charles Schnee, who had just left MGM and signed a deal with Columbia Pictures. He hired John Michael Hayes to write the script.[4] John Wayne was announced as a possible star.[5]

It was then reported that Valentine David was working on the script, which had been retitled Fear No Evil.[6] Production plans were delayed when Schnee announced he was leaving Columbia, claiming he was unable to get any of his films in development made because of "almost insurmountable casting difficulties."[7]

The project stayed with Columbia and was assigned to producer Boris Kaplan. Roger Presnell wrote a version of the script.[8] Philip Leacock was given the job as director and Alan Ladd and Rod Steiger were cast in the leads.[9]

The title The Tiger Among Us was changed out of fear audiences might expect a jungle film. The new title was 13 East Street then Alan Ladd requested "east" be changed to "west". "The story concerns a teenage gang from Los Angeles east side but I suggested the locale be switched to the swank purlieu of Bel Air," said Ladd. "I have nothing against Bel Air but I want to show that juvenile delinquency can breed in exclusive areas too."[10]

Filming started April 1961.[11]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Richard Harland Smith, "13 West Street", Turner Classic Movies accessed 12 January 2013
  2. ↑ Brackett, Leigh (July 1975). "Leigh Brackett — An Audio Interview" (Interview). Interview with Tony Macklin. Retrieved 30 May 2015. 55m
  3. ↑ Report on Criminals at Large By ANTHONY BOUCHER. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 13 Jan 1957: BR11
  4. ↑ Henreid Will Direct 'Take Five From Five' Teen-age Scourge Due Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 04 Oct 1957: A9.
  5. ↑ Bromfield Seeks Desi Arnaz as Star; Wills Livens 'Hell Bent Kid' Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 14 Oct 1957: C11
  6. ↑ FILM EVENTS: Anna Lee in Hudson Film Play Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 23 Aug 1958: 12.
  7. ↑ WALD, NEGULESCO TO TEAM ON FILM: Director and Producer Will Make 'Best of Everything' -- Schnee Settles Pact By THOMAS M. PRYORSpecial to The New York Times.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 30 Jan 1959: 33
  8. ↑ ALAN LADD FILM NAMES DIRECTOR: Robert Webb Is Signed for 'Guns of Timberland' -- Columbia Adds Writers Special to The New York Times.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 24 Mar 1959: 45.
  9. ↑ 'Critic's Choice' Film to Star Hank Fonda Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963) [Chicago, Ill] 15 Mar 1961: b5.
  10. ↑ Marriage at First Sight Scott, John L. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 19 Nov 1961: O22.
  11. ↑ California 'Feud' Will Engage Ladd: zanuck Consults Litterateurs; Gordons Package Lee Remick Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 20 Apr 1961: B13.

External links

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