Sidney Salkow Movies
Sidney Salkow attended City College and Columbia University before entering Harvard Law School. He returned to New York and established himself in theater as an assistant director and later as a theatrical director. He joined the movie industry in 1932 as a dialogue director and quickly moved up to associate director and eventually became a writer/director of short films. He made his first feature film, Four Day's Wonder, in 1937 for Universal, but most of his work for the next two years was for Republic Pictures, after which he moved to Columbia Pictures, where his most notable pictures were several entries in the Lone Wolf mystery series, and The Adventures of Martin Eden, based on Jack London's book. Salkow was best known as a very capable if not necessarily stylish, maker of action films and westerns, although his wartime films included City Without Men, a prison melodrama that was an early starring vehicle for Linda Darnell. Among his most popular films was the 1964 Italian co-production of The Last Man on Earth, starring Vincent Price, based on Richard Matheson's classic vampire chiller I Am Legend. He made his last movie, The Murder Game, in 1966 for 20th Century-Fox. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide- 1966
Britisher Trader Faulkner goes on his honeymoon with new bride Marla Landi. Little does he suspect that Landi is conspiring with ex-husband Ken Scott to murder Faulkner for his money. Faulkner tumbles to their little scheme, and plots a revenge. The plotters get their just desserts, but Faulkner ends up just as dead as he would have been had he never caught on. Filmed in England, The Murder Game was released in the US by 20th Century-Fox. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ken Scott, Marla Landi, (more)
- 1965
The Great Sioux Massacre is an entertaining pack of lies about Custer's Last Stand. General Custer (Philip Carey) is herein depicted as a bastion of tolerance, whose efforts to secure fair treatment for the Indians lead to several confrontations with corrupt government officials. Custer is forced to retire, but is soon approached by a machiavellian senator (Don Haggerty) who convinces the General that he is presidential material. The best way to attain the White House, Custer reasons, is to wrest control of the upcoming Little Big Horn campaign from the officer in charge (Frank Ferguson). This, alas, proves to be "Yellow Hair's" undoing. The Great Sioux Massacre costars Joseph Cotten and Darren McGavin as Custer's fellow officers Reno and Benton. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Joseph Cotten, Darren McGavin, (more)
- 1964
In this western, a cowboy finally returns to his home after a long absence precipitated by his killing a wicked rancher's son in a forced duel. The cowboy wants to live peacefully on his daddy's ranch and be with the woman that he loves. While on the trail home, he encounters a ruthless outlaw gang planning a bank robbery. Because most of the town men have gone on a giant cattle drive, the town is defenseless. The courageous cowpoke and his pal do all they can to keep the bad-guys at bay during a bloody battle. Eventually the good-guys prevail and the prodigal cowboy is appointed sheriff. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Audie Murphy, Merry Anders, (more)
In a post-epidemic nightmare world, scientist Robert Morgan (Vincent Price) is the only man immune to the plague which has transformed the entire population of the Earth into vampire-like creatures. He becomes the monster slayer that vampire-society fears. Curing one of them, Ruth (Franca Bettoja), with a transfusion of his blood gives him hope for the future. It is a short future, however, since the other vampires quickly find and kill him. This dark tale, based on Richard Matheson's even darker novel "I Am Legend," was later remade as The Omega Man with Charlton Heston in the Vincent Price role. ~ Lucinda Ramsey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Vincent Price, Tony Cerevi, (more)
- 1964
In this western, the sole survivor of an Apache ambush rides out to save a young boy who has been captured. The hero was a captured outlaw en route to his trial. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
This three part horror story is taken from the writings of Nathaniel Hawthorne. Vincent Price stars in all three tales starting with Dr. Heidegger's Experiment". Heidegger (Sebastian Cabot) attempts to restore the youth of four elderly friends. In a ghastly and ghoulish scene, a bride in her wedding gown returns to life after being dead for forty years. Although her spirit is alive, her body is ravaged by forty years of grave rot. "Rappaccini's Daughter" finds Price as a demented, overprotective father inoculating his daughter with poison so she may never leave her garden of poisonous plants. Part three, "The House of the Seven Gables" has Beverly Garland, Richard Denning, and Jacqueline de Wit accompanying Price, who retains his horror hero status that alternates between villain and victim. The characters portrayed by Price are a natural continuation of the Edgar Allen Poe stories produced by Roger Cormam. Sidney Sallow directed this feature in which the cinematic apple falls far from the literary tree. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Vincent Price, Sebastian Cabot, (more)
- 1962
While playing poker with Big Jim Watson (Alan Hale Jr., Bart (Jack Kelly) again comes face to face with his old friendly enemy, versatile con artist Pearly Gates (Mike Road). Actually, he comes face to face with Pearly's gun, as Mr. Gates robs the card players so that he and his girlfriend Marla (Kathleen Crowley) can afford to get married. Blowing his stack, Big Jim threatens to kill Pearly and Marla unless Bart can retrieve the money--and for good measure, Jim warns Bart that if he fails, he'll wind up dead too. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
Bart's cousin Jacqueline (Kathy Bennett) is conned out of the $10,000 she needs to square her family's debts by the inimitable Big Ed Murphy. It seems that Murphy claims he's invented a machine that can manufacture money--not counterfeit, but the genuine article. In order to get Jacqueline's cash back, Bart (Jack Kelly) must somehow beat Big Ed at his own crooked game. Originally played by John Dehner in the previous episode "Greenbacks, Unlimited", Bug Ed Murphy is herein portrayed by Andrew Duggan, who was then starring in another Warner Bros. TV series, Room for One More. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1960
For those of you who might have wondered whether accordion virtuoso Dick Contino ever made a film, we refer you to The Big Night. Fourth-billed Contino weaves in and out of a plotline involving stolen money, an innocent married couple, and not-so-innocent gangsters. Newlyweds Randy Sparks and Venetia Stevenson find a sack of cash, then stash it away for a rainy day rather than inform the cops. That this is not a smart move is hammered home before the film is half over. You'll have to see The Big Night yourself to find out if Dick Contino gets the opportunity to render "Lady of Spain" on his squeeze-box. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1957
Originally released as Gun Duel in Durango, this solid little western stars George Montgomery as reformed outlaw Dan. He falls in love with ranch owner Judy (Ann Robinson), but she won't accept his proposal until she's certain that he's given up his criminal activities. This proves difficult when Dunston (Steve Brodie), a member of Dan's old gang, shows up, insisting that his former boss rejoin the crooks. Tension mounts until the obligatory final shootout. Former western star Don "Red" Barry shows up in a choice character role. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George Montgomery, Ann Robinson, (more)
- 1957
Chicago Confidential may not have been the best of the late-1950s "expose" films, but it certainly boasted one of the most impressive casts. Based on the factual best-seller by Jack Lait and Lee Mortimer, the film stars Brian Keith as a State Attorney who vows to bring corrupt Chicago union officials to justice. It turns out that the union crooks are in cahoots with a gambling syndicate, conspiring to frame uncooperative union leader Dick Foran for murder. With the considerable assistance of his coworker-fiancee Beverly Garland, Keith strives to prove Foran's innocence and punish the genuine miscreants. Crucial to the plotline is nightclub comedian Buddy Lewis, cast as an impressionist who helps to frame the troublesome Foran; also in the cast are such crime-flick perennials as Elisha Cook Jr., Paul Langton, Douglas Kennedy, Jack Lambert, John Indrisano, Phyllis Coates, and Thomas B. Henry. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Brian Keith, Beverly Garland, (more)
- 1957
Frontier peacekeeper Sheriff Galt (Sterling Hayden) faces a crisis of conscience in The Iron Sheriff. In the aftermath of a robbery-murder, Galt follows the trail of evidence directly to his own son, Benjie (Darryl Hickman). Sworn to uphold the law at all costs, Galt is grimly determined to see that Benjie will receive a fair trial without any coercion on his part. But the townsfolk have already decided that the sheriff will try to spring the boy, and a lynch-mob mentality slows festers its way through the community. As the trial proceeds, it becomes obvious that Benjie is going to hang for his alleged crime, but there's still one or two surprises in store. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sterling Hayden, Constance Ford, (more)
- 1956
Gun Brothers is a rehash of the "Cain and Abel" motif that has been popular amongst screenwriters since time immemorial. Buster Crabbe and Neville Brand star as brothers Chad and Jubal. While Chad remains on the straight-and-narrow and becomes a rancher, Jubal opts for the life of an outlaw. The siblings manage to keep peace in the family until a jealous Indian maiden (Lita Milan) tells Jubal that Chad has turned stool pigeon. Only a cathartic last-reel burst of violence convinces Jubal that his brother hasn't betrayed him to the authorities--but by then, of course, it is too late. Ann Robinson, leading lady of such early-1950s esoterica as War of the Worlds and Dragnet, costars as a saloon singer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Larry "Buster" Crabbe, Ann Robinson, (more)
- 1955
The 1955 western Robbers' Roost was the second film version of the venerable Zane Grey yarn. George Montgomery stars as a taciturn outlaw who lands an honest job on the spread managed by physically disabled Bruce Bennett. When Bennett's sister Sylvia Findley is kidnapped by crooked Richard Boone and Peter Graves, Montgomery, seeing an opportunity to redeem himself, rides to her rescue. Fortunately for our hero, Boone and Graves are already at each other's throats, thereby weakening their resistance. Gorgeously photographed, Robbers' Roost suffers visually when seen in the faded color prints currently available to TV. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George Montgomery, Richard Boone, (more)
- 1955
This adventurous crime drama is set in exotic Latin America and chronicles a lawman's attempt to bust up the ring of Yankee gun-smugglers who have been supplying arms to war-torn Central America. To stop them, the American agent must masquerade as a smuggler and join the gang. Meanwhile a young revolutionary is captivated by the brave words of her leader and pretends to be a singer while she looks for smugglers to sell her the weapons her group so badly needs. The agent is doing well until the smuggler he impersonates shows up and blows his cover. Fortunately, the authorities arrive before the agent is killed. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dane Clark, Lita Milan, (more)
- 1955
Another "torn from today's headlines" crime drama, Las Vegas Shakedown stars Dennis O'Keefe as honest casino operator Joe Barnes. When not fending off gangster boss Sirago (Thomas Gomez), who wants a big piece of the action, Barnes endeavors to dodge pretty schoolteacher Julia Rae (Colleen Gray), who is writing a thesis on the futility of gambling. The episodic storyline occasionally cuts away to small-town banker Raff (Charles Winninger), who tries to have a little fun at the gaming tables despite the interference of his wife (Elizabeth Patterson), and a bevy of attractive divorcees who've set their cap for Barnes. Filmed on location, Las Vegas Shakedown comes to a head when the disgruntled Sirago resorts to all-out violence to take over Barnes' operation. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dennis O'Keefe, Coleen Gray, (more)
- 1954
This western offers one of Hollywood's more historically accurate accounts of the Battle of Little Big Horn. The story centers on a major in the cavalry who believes the Indians have the same rights as other Americans. Despite his efforts to stop Custer from embarking on his ill-fated mission, the general carries on. Later the major is court-marshaled for being a traitor and ends up sentenced to die. Fortunately, Sitting Bull sends a petition to the President and pleads for the good major's pardon. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dale Robertson, Mary Murphy, (more)
- 1953
John Payne stars as legendary pirate Barbarossa -- aka Redbeard -- in Raiders of the Seven Seas. Capturing a Spanish galleon almost single-handedly, Barbarossa claims haughty Contessa Alida (Donna Reed) as his own property. Engaged to marry naval officer Alfredo (Gerald Mohr), Alida despises Barbarossa, but she changes her mind when she finds out what a louse Alfredo can be. All loose plot strands are neatly tied up during the swashbuckling finale, wherein Barbarossa leads an attack on Havana. The supporting cast of Raiders of the Seven Seas is populated with such familiar faces as Lon Chaney Jr., Henry Brandon, and Frank DeKova. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Payne, Donna Reed, (more)
- 1953
Flying in the face of Hollywood tradition, this cinemadaptation of James Fennimore Cooper's The Pathfinder features genuine Native Americans in several principal "Indian" roles. Set during the French-Indian wars of the 18th century, the film stars George Montgomery as The Pathfinder, an Indian scout in the employ of the British. The Pathfinder is sent to a French encampment to do a little secret-agent work, accompanied by Welcome Alison (Helena Carter), an English lass posing as a Frenchwoman. Their identities revealed, Pathfinder and Welcome are imprisoned and slated for execution -- and for a long, long while, it looks as though the Great Lakes region will be claimed by the French. Co-starring in The Pathfinder are Jay "Tonto" Silverheels as Chingachgook, Rodd Redwing as hostile Mingo chief Arrowhead, and Chief Yowlachie as Eagle Feather. Adhering to the usual Hollywood casting process, however, the role of Indian maiden Lokawa is essayed by Anglo-Latino actress Elena Verdugo. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George Montgomery, Helena Carter, (more)
- 1953
Jack McCall, the man who shot Wild Bill Hickok in the back, is presented in a sympathetic light in this "revisionist" western. During the Civil War, McCall (George Montgomery) is falsely accused of treason. He escapes to prove his innocence, but vengeful union sergeant Will Bill Hickok (Douglas Kennedy) won't let him. It's Les Miserables, western style, not to mention once of the few cinematic depictions of Hickok as an unregenerate villain: Wild Bill even participates in the murder of McCall's parents! Thus, the death of Hickok is seen as a justifiable act of revenge, with Jack McCall living happily ever after with Rose Griffith (Angela Stevens)--and never mind that the real McCall was hanged shortly after plugging Hickok during that fateful poker game. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George Montgomery, Angela Stevens, (more)
- 1953
Prince of Pirates is fairly elaborate for a Sam Katzman production, though its low budget does betray itself in the closing scenes. Utilizing plenty of stock footage from Joan of Arc (as he'd previously done in Thief of Damascus), producer Katzman offers the viewer a 16th-century swashbuckler, with John Derek as Robin Hood-like buccaneer Prince Roland. Having lost his throne to his evil older brother Stephan (Whitfield Connor), Roland forms a band of volunteers to oust Stephan and bring peace and harmony to his land (by busting several heads along the way). Barbara Rush co-stars as Nita, the daughter of a deposed count and a fine swordswoman in her own right. The film's best line is unintentionally funny: After being fetchingly attired in form-fitting blouse and slacks during most of the film, Nita is garbed in hoop-skirted feminine finery, whereupon Roland snickers "At last, you look more like a woman!" Far from a classic, Prince of Pirates is an agreeable time-passer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Derek, Barbara Rush, (more)
- 1952
This Sam Katzman costume quickie stars Sterling Hayden as 17th-century privateer Kit Gerardo, and (inevitably in a buccaneer meller of this sort) Rhonda Fleming as a gorgeous female pirate named Rouge. When Rouge's vessel is besieged by the minions of evil Caribbean governor Luis del Toro (John Sutton), Gerardo comes to her rescue. As the film unfolds, it turns out that practically no one is who they seem to be--especially the mysterious Rouge. Producer Katzman cannily fleshes out the film with miles of stock footage from earlier pirate epics. Apparently contemptuous of his role, Sterling Hayden delivers an uncharacteristically awful performance, but Rhonda Fleming makes the whole enterprise worthwhile. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rhonda Fleming, Sterling Hayden, (more)
- 1952
Nineteenth-century saloon gal Roxy McClanahan (Yvonne DeCarlo) manages to inveigle herself into the uppermost rungs of polite New Orleans society. But Roxy has not reckoned with her old friendly nemesis, merchant seaman Frank Truscott (Rock Hudson), whose bankroll Roxy had lifted back in her wilder and woollier days. For a price, Frank agrees not to blow the whistle on Roxy's checkered past. He further agrees to allow her to pass off an orphaned child as her own daughter, the better to maintain her pose as a fabulously wealthy widow. Several rambunctious scenes later, Frank and Roxy finally realize that they're made for each other, and to heck with Society. More fun than most costume melodramas of its kind, Scarlet Angel benefits from attractive production values and a top-flight supporting cast, included future Gunsmoke co-star Amanda Blake as a viper-tongued society belle. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Yvonne De Carlo, Rock Hudson, (more)
- 1950
Janis Paige stars as Fugitive Lady Barbara Clementi in this internationally produced melodrama. When Italian millionaire Ralph Clementi (Eduardo Cianelli) dies mysteriously, suspicion falls upon Clementi's admittedly mercenary American wife Barbara. Insurance investigator Jeff (Tony Centa) is hesitant to jump to the obvious conclusion, determining that Clementi's stepsister Esther (Binnie Barnes) and Barbara's lover Gene (Massimo Serato) also had motive and opportunity. The story concludes with a neat "Postman Always Rings Twice" twist. Released in the U.S. by Republic, Fugitive Lady was produced by future Columbia studio chief Mike Frankovich, the husband of co-star Binnie Barnes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Janis Paige, Binnie Barnes, (more)
Wanda Hendrix is awfully cute as a WAVE officer who is endlessly pursued by lascivious men. Ex-airmen Edmond O'Brien, Johnny Sands and Steve Brodie spend most of their time chasing Wanda about, but she manages to keep them at arms' length. You see, she only has eyes for her boyfriend Dick Erdman, who is on the lam from vengeful millionaire Rudy Vallee. But it's O'Brien who ends up with Wanda, after nearly getting pounded into hamburger in the boxing ring as a means of proving his love. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Edmond O'Brien, Wanda Hendrix, (more)
