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For Men Only (1952 film)
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Wikipedia article
'For Men Only' is a 1952 American film noir directed by Paul Henreid about hazing on college campuses. Henreid also starred in the film alongside Margaret Field and Kathleen Hughes. The film was distributed by the independent Lippert Pictures. It was the film debut of Russell Johnson. It was also known by the alternative title of 'The Tall Lie'.
Plot
Tough college student Tod Palmer (Robert Sherman) patiently suffers increasingly severe hazing at the hands of sadistic Ky Walker (Russell Johnson) while pledging a fraternity at Wake College. Attempting to bring the ritual initiation abuses to the authorities' attention, Tod accidentally dies after fleeing from the angry fraternity brothers. Medical professor Dr. Stephen Brice (Paul Henreid) then tries to end the practice of hazing, determined to obtain justice for one of his best students.
Production
Henreid had directed in theatre but this was his first film. He had produced two films before, 'Hollow Triumph' and 'So Young, So Bad'.
Paul Henreid set up the project with Edward Nassour. They established HN Productions -
for Henreid and Nassour. In March 1951 they arranged finance through Robert L. Lippert. Henreid and Lippert were secretive about the subject matter, describing it as "topical and controversial." Henreid admitted he later kept the topic secret so no other produces would beat them to the screens with a similar story.
Filming started 5 September 1951 at the General Service Studio. There had been a week's rehearsal beforehand. Filming took 16 days, and was completed two days ahead of schedule.
Henreid said getting the script and finance and making the film took him a year. He says he originally wanted to call the film 'Hell Night' but the distributors came up with 'For Men Only'.
Henreid wanted to make 'The Spanish Grandee' and 'Ring around Saturn' for Nassour but these were never made.
Reception
Henreid later said the film was "very successful" and credited it with launching his directing career.
Cast
*Paul Henreid as Dr. Stephen Brice
*Margaret Field as Julie Brice
*James Dobson (actor) as Bartholomew "Beanie" Brown
*Kathleen Hughes as Tracy Norman
*Douglas Kennedy as Colin Mayberry
*Robert Carson as Jesse Hopkins
*Virginia Mullen as Mrs. Palmer
*O. Z. Whitehead as Professor Bixby
*Vera Miles as Kathy
* Robert Sherman as Tod Palmer
*Russell Johnson as Ky Walker
* Christian Drake as Jack
* John Eldredge as Mr. St. Claire - Regents Board Member
* Vernon Rich as Mr. Blaine - Regents Board Member
* Franklyn Farnum as Regents Board Member
* Norman Leavitt as Motorist
References
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