Man in the Dark is a film noir crime thriller about Steve Rawley, a convict who undergoes experimental brain surgery intended to eliminate his criminal tendencies. The procedure erases his memory, but his former associates kidnap him, determined to locate the $130,000 payroll he had stolen and hidden before his arrest. As Steve struggles with amnesia, he must piece together his past to survive and uncover the money’s whereabouts.
Genre: Crime Thriller
Director: Lew Landers
Lew Landers (1901–1962) was an American film and television director known for his prolific work in various genres, including horror, crime, and adventure. Over his career, he directed more than 100 films, such as The Raven (1935) and The Return of the Vampire (1943), establishing himself as a versatile director in Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Star Cast:
- Edmond O’Brien as Steve Rawley
- Audrey Totter as Peg Benedict
- Ted de Corsia as Lefty
- Horace McMahon as Arnie
- Nick Dennis as Cookie
- Dayton Lummis as Dr. Marston
- Dan Riss as Jawald
Upon its release, Man in the Dark garnered attention for being one of the early 3-D films produced by a major studio, Columbia Pictures. While the film’s narrative received mixed reviews, audiences were intrigued by the 3-D experience, which was a novel cinematic technology at the time. Critics noted the film’s use of 3-D effects, though some viewed the storyline as less compelling.
Fun Facts:
- Man in the Dark was Columbia Pictures’ first 3-D film and premiered just two days before Warner Bros.’ 3-D feature House of Wax, making it one of the earliest 3-D films from a major studio.
- The film is a remake of the 1936 movie The Man Who Lived Twice, which also dealt with themes of crime and identity.
- Filmed in just 11 days, the production was expedited to capitalize on the emerging 3-D movie trend sparked by the success of Bwana Devil (1952).
- The amusement park scenes were shot at Ocean Park in Santa Monica, providing a dynamic backdrop for the film’s climax.
- The film features several “in-your-face” 3-D effects, including a memorable roller coaster sequence, designed to maximize the 3-D viewing experience.
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