Cast
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Preston Foster
as Police Lt. Steve Abbott
Patricia Morison
as Ethel Abbott
Albert Dekker
as Police Lieutenant William Richards
Charles Butterworth
as Edward Wallace
Dooley Wilson
as Shadrach Jones
Paul Hurst
as Sergeant Casper Riordan
Jean Phillips
as Janet Price
Cecil Kellaway
as Dan Odell
William Wright
as George Wallace
Noble Johnson
as Carney
Joe Pope
as Carlson
Yola d'Avril
as Mme. Lamballe
Arthur Loft
as Police Sergeant Bliss
Dorothy Dandridge
as Sal, Shadrach's Girl (Uncredited)
James Flavin
as Egan (Uncredited)
Crew
Director
- William Clemens
Producer
- Sol C. Siegel
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Night in New Orleans examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director William Clemens brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1942, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Night in New Orleans took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 75 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1942, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Night in New Orleans shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Double Jeopardy, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Night in New Orleans offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Wild at Heart and JFK explore similar territory, Night in New Orleans stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 1, 1942
- Runtime: 1h 15m
