Kidnapped (1948 film)
Kidnapped is a 1948 drama directed by William Beaudine, starring Roddy McDowall, Sue England and Dan O'Herlihy based on the 1886 novel of the same name by Robert Louis Stevenson. The former child star McDowall plays David Balfour in the story about a young man cheated out of his birthright by his wicked, covetous uncle Ebenezer (Houseley Stevenson).[1]
| Kidnapped | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | William Beaudine |
| Produced by | Lindsley Parsons associate Roddy McDowall |
| Screenplay by | Scott Darling |
| Based on | novel by Robert Louis Stevenson |
| Starring | Roddy McDowall Sue England Dan O'Herlihy |
| Music by | Edward J. Kay Dave Torbett |
| Cinematography | William A. Sickner |
| Edited by | Ace Herman |
Production company | Lindsley Parsons Picture Corporation |
| Distributed by | Monogram Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 81 min. |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot summary
Scotland, 1751: At a stately manor near Edinburgh, the young David Balfour arrives with a sealed letter from his recently deceased father for Ebenezer, his uncle. It is meant to be delivered to a family lawyer to introduce David as the rightful heir to the property.
After slyly trying to kill his previously unknown nephew but failing, Ebenezer conspires with a sea captain, Hoseason, to take the boy hostage and sell him into slavery. A prisoner aboard ship, David soon meets Alan Breck, who, in need of rescue, now finds himself in danger of Hoseason stealing his gold and perhaps murdering him as well. David's quick intervention saves his life.
Washed up ashore after a storm, David is hidden by an innkeeper's daughter, Aileen, then begins a long and arduous journey home. With the help of Alan, he is able to coerce a confession about the kidnapping from his uncle that is overheard by the lawyer, who now knows David to be the proper heir. Hoseason, feeling betrayed, tries to kill Ebenezer in a sword fight, resulting in the deaths of both.
Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Roddy McDowall | David Balfour |
| Sue England | Aileen Fairlie |
| Dan O'Herlihy | Alan Breck |
| Roland Winters | Capt. Hoseason |
| Jeff Corey | Shuan |
| Houseley Stevenson | Ebenezer |
| Erskine Sanford | Rankeillor |
| Alex Frazer | Hugh Fairlie |
| Winifriede McDowall | Innkeeper's Wife |
| Robert J. Anderson | Ransome |
| Janet Murdoch | Janet Clouston |
| Olaf Hytten | The Red Fox |
| Erville Alderson | Mungo |
| Mary Gordon | Scotswoman |
| Hugh O'Brian | Sailor |
| Eric Wilton | Rankeillor's Secretary |
| Jimmie Dodd | Scottish Sailor |
Production
McDowall performed a radio version of the novel in 1946 with Douglas Fairbanks Jr.[2]
In 1948 McDowall was making a series of films for Monogram Pictures on which McDowall would star and executive produce. They selected Kidnapped. Dan O'Herlihy, who had just appeared in Orson Welles' Macbeth was signed to play Alan Breck. Filming started on Santa Catalina in May 1948. The film unit used James Cagney's yacht, the Swift.[3] Studio work took place at Nassour Studios.[4]
Monogram considered making a sequel, David Balfour, also starring McDowall.[5] It was meant to follow Tuna Clipper, the next McDowall-Parsons-Monogram film.[6] However this did not eventuate.
References
- KIDNAPPED Monthly Film Bulletin; London Vol. 16, Iss. 181, (Jan 1, 1949): 118.
- Hope Springs Eternal! Hopper, Hedda. The Washington Post 30 Apr 1946: 4.
- O'Herlihy to Act Breck; LaGuardia Deal Hinted Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 8 May 1948: 9.
- Tuna Fisherman Role Will Star McDowall Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 22 May 1948: 7.
- APPEAR IN MURDER PICTURE New York Times 22 Oct 1948: 32.
- Morros Jr., Questing McCormack Story Rights; 'David Balfour' on Slate Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 22 Oct 1948: 23.