The Prowler (1951)
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Webb Garwood (Van Heflin) is a cynical policeman who believes that success comes from lucky breaks. Responding to a prowler complaint at the home of Susan Gilvray (Evelyn Keyes), he is immediately attracted to her and her wealth. He returns to "check up" on Susan, and they begin an affair, conducted while listening to her husband William (Emerson Treacy)'s all-night radio program. Feeling guilty, Susan ends the relationship, but Garwood remains obsessed. He pretends to be a prowler on the Gilvray property so he can respond to another police call. Drawing William outside, he shoots him and makes it appear accidental. When Garwood manipulates Susan's confusion about the shooting, she buys his story, and the lovers marry. However, upon discovering that Susan is pregnant "too soon," they flee to give birth in secret, but eventually Susan learns the devastating truth. Intense performances by Heflin and Keyes bring alive this story of a prowler who preys on a woman's loneliness while also representing the forces of authority who literally screw those they are supposed to serve. ~ Steve Press, All Movie Guide
Complete Cast:
- Van Heflin - Webb Garwood
- John Maxwell - Bud Crocker
- Emerson Treacy - William Gilvray
- Wheaton Chambers - Dr. James
- Sherry Hall - John Gilvray
- Benny Burt - Journalist
- Betty Jane Howarth - Mrs. Talbot
- George Nader - Photographer
- Fred Hoose - Foreman
- Evelyn Keyes - Susan Gilvray
- Katherine Warren - Mrs. Crocker
- Madge Blake - Martha Gilvray
- Robert Osterloh - Coroner
- Louise Lorimer - Motel Manager
- Louise M. Bates - Doctor's Wife
- Alan Harris - Clerk
- Steve Carruthers - Mr. Talbot
- Tiny Jones
- Director(s):
- Joseph Losey
- Writer(s):
- Dalton Trumbo, Hugo Butler
- Producer(s):
- Sam Spiegel, Sam P. Eagle
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