The Spoilersis a 1955 AmericanWesternfilm directed byJesse Hibbsand starringAnne Baxter,Jeff ChandlerandRory Calhoun.Set inNome, Alaskaduring the 1898 Gold Rush, it culminates in a spectacular saloon fistfight between Glennister (Chandler) and McNamara (Calhoun).
| The Spoilers | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Jesse Hibbs |
| Screenplay by | Oscar Brodney Charles Hoffman |
| Based on | The Spoilers 1906 novel/play byRex Beach |
| Produced by | Ross Hunter |
| Starring | Anne Baxter Jeff Chandler Rory Calhoun |
| Cinematography | Maury Gertsman |
| Edited by | Paul Weatherwax |
| Color process | Technicolor |
Production company | Universal International Pictures |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 84 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $1.4 million (US)[1] |
Film versions also appearedin 1914,in 1923(withNoah Beery, Sr.as McNamara),in 1930(withGary Cooperas Glennister andBetty Compsonas Malotte), andin 1942(withJohn Wayneas Glennister, Betty CompsonlookalikeMarlene Dietrichas Malotte, andRandolph Scottas McNamara). The 1930 and 1942 versions were the only instances of Gary Cooper and John Wayne playing the same role in the same story in two different films; Jeff Chandler portrays the part in this version.
Plot
editStruggling miners Flapjack and Banty go to the office of Alex McNamara, the new gold commissioner inNome, Alaska,to complain about claim jumpers. He isn't there, so they drown their sorrows at Cherry Malotte's gambling house and saloon.
Cherry looks ready to steal the men's claim herself in Alex's office when he suddenly appears. He assures her Judge Stillman is on his way to Nome to review all legal matters regarding the mines.
When a ship arrives bringing her sweetheart Roy Glennister back to town, Cherry runs out eagerly to meet it, to the jealousy of Blackie, her croupier. To her anger, Roy is traveling with an attractive stranger, Helen Chester. An irate Cherry leaves in a huff with Roy's co-owner of a nearby mine, Dextry.
Roy insists he still loves Cherry, but she slaps his face. Alex and the newly arrived Judge Stillman set out to survey and inspect Roy's mine, insisting it will take weeks before any claims can be settled. Roy is shocked to observe that Alex, the Judge and Helen are all conspirators to steal the miners' claims.
Blackie shoots the town marshal and makes sure Roy is blamed and arrested for it. A jailbreak is arranged, but Cherry rushes to warn Roy of what she has learned from Helen, that as soon as he escapes, Alex is planning to ambush Roy and make it look like a lawful shooting.
A shootout between Alex and the miners ensues. Blackie dies, but not before confessing to the sheriff's murder, while Roy and Alex end up in a knockdown, drag-out fistfight. Cherry and Roy ultimately end up happily in love and in legal possession of the mine.
Cast
edit- Anne Baxteras Cherry Malotte
- Jeff Chandleras Roy Glennister
- Rory Calhounas Alexander McNamara
- Ray Dantonas Blackie
- Barbara Brittonas Helen Chester
- John McIntireas Dextry
- Wallace Fordas Flapjack Simms
- Forrest Lewisas Banty Jones
- Carl Benton Reidas Judge Stillman
- Raymond Walburnas Mr. Skinner
- Ruth Donnellyas Duchess
- Dayton Lummisas Wheaton
- Willis Boucheyas Jonathan Struve
- Roy Barcroftas the Marshal
- Byron Foulgeras Montrose aka Monty
- Robert Foulkas Bartender
- Arthur Spaceas Bank Manager
- Harry Seymour as Piano Player
- Bob Steeleas Miner
- Eddie Parkeras Berry (as Edwin Karker)
- Lee Robertsas Deputy
- John Close as Deputy
Production
editThe film starred Anne Baxter, Jeff Chandler and Rory Calhoun.[2]Robert Arthurwas originally to produce and he supervised the script and original casting, but was replaced by Ross Hunter.[3]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^'The Top Box-Office Hits of 1956',Variety Weekly,January 2, 1957
- ^THOMAS M. PRYOR (Dec 13, 1954). "PLAY BY WILLIAMS PLANNED AS FILM: ' Summer and Smoke' Slated by Hal Wallis -- Holden Is Sought as Co-Star".New York Times.p. 34.
- ^THOMAS M. PRYOR (Jan 6, 1955). "KIRK DOUGLAS SET TO ACTIVATE UNIT: Actor's Bryna Productions Will Make Six Films Under United Artists Contract".New York Times.p. 23.