Jack McCall, Desperado
Jack McCall, Desperado is a 1953 Technicolor Western film directed by Sidney Salkow and starring George Montgomery.[1] It portrays the historical shooting of Wild Bill Hickok by Jack McCall in 1876.[2]
| Jack McCall, Desperado | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Sidney Salkow |
| Produced by | Sam Katzman |
| Screenplay by | John O'Dea |
| Story by | David Chandler |
| Starring | George Montgomery |
| Cinematography | Henry Freulich |
| Edited by | Aaron Stell |
Production company | Columbia Pictures |
| Distributed by | Columbia Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 76 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The film's sets were designed by the art director Paul Palmentola.
Plot
Jack McCall is a man from the South, but he joins the Union during the civil war. When he encounters three Confederate soldiers posing as Yankees, one of which is named Spargo, Jack tells them the place where the headquarters is located. Soon after he is tried as a spy. When Jack manages to escape, his cousin Bat McCall and Wild Bill Hickok kill his parents and plan to get hold of the McCall plantation and money. After the war Jack tries to prove his innocence and asks Spargo to testify. Spargo first agrees, but when Jack is captured again, Spargo decides to join Hickok and Bat. With the help of Rose Griffith, Jack manages to escape again and hopes to clear his name. Meanwhile, Hickok, Bat and Spargo have left for Kansas City. In search for gold, they plan to destroy the Sioux Indians. Jack, while still trying to clear his name, becomes aware of their plans and tries to stop them.
Cast
- George Montgomery as Jack McCall
- Angela Stevens as Rose Griffith
- Douglas Kennedy as 'Wild' Bill Hickok
- James Seay as Bat McCall
- Eugene Iglesias as Grey Eagle
- Willam Tannen as Spargo
- Jay Silverheels as Red Cloud
- John Hamilton as Col. Cornish
- Selmer Jackson as Col. Brand
Production
In November 1951 Katzan announced the film as part of his slate for the upcoming year.[3]
In January 1952 Katzman announced that George Montgomery would make two films for the producer, this and The Pathfinder.[4]
In April Douglas Kennedy was cast as Wild Bill Hickock.[5]
References
- Brode p.230
- JACK McCALL, DESPERADO Monthly Film Bulletin; London Vol. 20, Iss. 228, (Jan 1, 1953): 53.
- Drama: Dunne and MacMurray Reunion Hinted; Sam Katzman Slate Notable Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 21 Nov 1951: A7.
- Montgomery Will Star in 'Pathfinder;' Tucker Plays Mutineer Pirate Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 18 Jan 1952: 19.
- Pine-Thomas Will Film Story of Head Hunters; TV Beauty in Thriller Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 26 Apr 1952: 9.
Bibliography
- Douglas Brode. Shooting Stars of the Small Screen: Encyclopedia of TV Western Actors, 1946–Present. University of Texas Press, 2010.