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ALAN LADD
AND FILM NOIR


Alan Ladd had a significant impact on the film noir genre, both in terms of his on-screen presence and the characters he portrayed. While he wasn't as prolific in film noir as some other actors of the genre, his contributions left a lasting impression.

Ladd's breakthrough role in film noir came in 1942 with "This Gun for Hire," directed by Frank Tuttle. In this film, Ladd played the role of Philip Raven, a cold-blooded hitman with a troubled past. Ladd's brooding intensity and understated performance added depth and complexity to the character, making Raven one of his most memorable roles. "This Gun for Hire" established Ladd as a leading actor in film noir.

One of Ladd's most iconic film noir roles came in 1946 with the film "The Blue Dahlia," directed by George Marshall and written by Raymond Chandler. Ladd played Johnny Morrison, a war veteran accused of murder. His portrayal of Morrison showcased the archetype of the disillusioned and morally ambiguous noir protagonist. Ladd's ability to convey a mix of toughness, vulnerability, and simmering anger made the character compelling and contributed to the film's success.

Ladd's impact on film noir extended beyond his specific roles. His screen presence and the persona he projected became synonymous with the genre's characteristics. Ladd often played characters with a sense of moral ambiguity, tormented pasts, and a tough exterior hiding vulnerability. His performances captured the disillusionment and post-war anxieties that were characteristic of film noir.

Furthermore, Ladd's collaboration with notable directors and his ability to navigate the dark and shadowy world of film noir added to his impact on the genre. His work with directors such as Frank Tuttle, George Marshall, and Shane director George Stevens demonstrated his ability to bring depth and complexity to noir characters.

Although Alan Ladd's filmography encompasses a range of genres, his contributions to film noir have had a lasting impact. His performances and the characters he portrayed embodied the essence of the genre, and his screen presence continues to be celebrated as a significant element of film noir's enduring legacy.

AVAILABLE FILMS:


13 WEST STREET (1962)
APPOINTMENT WITH DANGER (1951)
BADLANDERS, THE (1958)
BLUE DAHLIA, THE (1946)
CAPTAIN CAREY, U.S.A (1950)
CAPTAIN CAUTION (1940)
DESERT LEGION (1953)
DRUM BEAT (1954)
GLASS KEY, THE (1942)
JOAN OF PARIS (1942)
LUCKY JORDAN (1942)
MAN IN THE NET, THE (1959)
MY FAVORITE BRUNETTE (1947)
O.S.S. (1946)
RED MOUNTAIN (1951)
SAIGON (1948)
SHANE (1953)
TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST (1946)
WHISPERING SMITH (1948)

VIDEO TRIBUTE


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Alan Ladd


Alan Ladd
Alan Ladd was an American actor, born on September 3, 1913, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He became known for his distinctive presence, intense performances, and his work in film noir. Ladd's career spanned over two decades, and he left a lasting impact on the film industry.

Ladd grew up in a troubled family environment and faced challenges in his early years. He began working at a young age, taking on various jobs, including newspaper delivery and working at a gas station. His interest in acting developed during his time at high school, where he participated in theater productions.

Ladd's acting career took off in the early 1940s when he signed a contract with Paramount Pictures. He gained attention for his role as the cold-blooded hitman Philip Raven in "This Gun for Hire" (1942), establishing him as a rising star in Hollywood. Ladd's rugged good looks, intense gaze, and brooding demeanor made him a popular choice for film noir roles.

Some of Ladd's notable film noir appearances include "The Blue Dahlia" (1946), "The Glass Key" (1942), and "The Great Gatsby" (1949). He often portrayed characters with a mix of toughness and vulnerability, navigating the morally ambiguous and shadowy worlds of noir.

Outside of film noir, Ladd worked in a variety of genres, including westerns, dramas, and war films. He starred in the iconic western "Shane" (1953), directed by George Stevens, where he played the titular character, a stoic and enigmatic gunfighter.

Ladd's success as an actor earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. However, as his career progressed, personal challenges and struggles with alcoholism took a toll on his health. Tragically, Alan Ladd died by accidental overdose on January 29, 1964, at the age of 50.

Alan Ladd's impact on the film industry, particularly in film noir, remains significant. His performances showcased a blend of toughness and vulnerability, and his on-screen presence left an indelible mark on audiences. He is remembered as one of the iconic stars of classic Hollywood cinema, and his contributions continue to be celebrated in film history.

Quotes:

"I'm no good with words but I'll find ways from time to time to show you how grateful I am."

"I'm shy and can't for the life of me barge around and slap people on the back. I sit in a corner by myself and am tickled to death when someone comes over to talk to me."


- Alan Ladd

Trivia:

He and Veronica Lake made seven movies together: The Blue Dahlia (1946), Duffy's Tavern (1945), The Glass Key (1942), Saigon (1947), Star Spangled Rhythm (1942), This Gun for Hire (1942) and Variety Girl (1947). In Variety Girl (1947), Star Spangled Rhythm (1942) and Duffy's Tavern (1945), they appear as themselves.

​The always aloof Alan Ladd, a former laborer, preferred the friendship of film crew than other actors or studio execs. Yet he was able to form lasting friendships with a few of his costars, especially William Bendix. Bendix accidentally cold-cocked Ladd during a particularly vicious fight scene in this film. Ladd was so taken aback by the sincerity of Bendix's apologies that they formed an immediate and unlikely friendship. They even purchased homes across the street from one another at one point.
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*** new features ***

Film Noir: The Men
Meet the hard-boiled detectives, cynical antiheroes, and ruthless villains
Film Noir: The Women
Meet Hard-Boiled Women, good girls gone bad, and femme fatales
Film Noir: The Directors
Meet the master storytellers who weave their ill-fated tales in an unforgiving dark, shadowy world.

Picture
Meet The Women who pushed the boundaries of moral, social, and artistic conventions... 
Part I
Part II