The Swordsman (1948 film)
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Ellen Drew
George Macready
| The Swordsman | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Joseph H. Lewis |
| Written by | Wilfred H. Petitt |
| Produced by | Burt Kelly |
| Starring | Larry Parks Ellen Drew George Macready |
| Cinematography | William E. Snyder |
| Edited by | Al Clark |
| Music by | Hugo Friedhofer |
| Distributed by | Columbia Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 80 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $1.7 million (US rentals)[1] |
The Swordsman is a 1948 American historical adventure film directed by Joseph H. Lewis and starring Larry Parks, Ellen Drew and George Macready.[2] It was produced and distributed by Columbia Pictures.
In 18th century Scotland, the clans McArden and Glowan are at long standing feud. Alexander, an attractive McArden, falls in love with the beautiful Barbara Glowan.
Unfortunately their relationship angers Barbara's cousin, Robert Glowan, who attempts to destroy the McArden clan completely. Alexander, anxious to marry Barbara, works to end the feud and have the two clans live at peace.
The movie has an interesting parallel with the Massacre of Glencoe, as commented below.
Cast
- Larry Parks as Alexander MacArden aka Donald Frazer
- Ellen Drew as Barbara Glowan
- George Macready as Robert Glowan
- Edgar Buchanan as Angus MacArden
- Ray Collins as MacIan, the MacArden Chief
- Marc Platt as Murdoch Glowan
- Michael Duane as Colin Glowan
- Holmes Herbert as Lord Glowan
- Nedrick Young as Bruce Glowan
- Robert Shayne as Ronald MacArden
- Billy Bevan as Old Andrew
- Lumsden Hare as Reverend Douglas
Production
The film was based on an original script by Wilfrid Pitit. It was originally called Annie Laurie, then in November 1946, the title was changed to The Forge Man by which time Larry Parks was set to star and Joseph H Lewis was to direct.[3] The same month, Hedda Hopper said the movie's title was Glencoe and that it was filming in secrecy.[4]
Filming finished by March 1947.[5]
Reception
The New York Times called it "a plain old fashioned horse opera" noting many of the situations and dialogue could have come straight from a Western.[6]