Cast
View All
Dana Andrews
as State's Attorney Henry L. Harvey
Jane Wyatt
as Madge Harvey
Lee J. Cobb
as Chief Harold F. 'Robbie' Robinson
Cara Williams
as Irene Nelson
Arthur Kennedy
as John Waldron
Sam Levene
as Morning Record's Reporter Dave Woods
Taylor Holmes
as T.M. Wade
Robert Keith
as 'Mac' McCreery
Ed Begley
as Paul Harris
Philip Coolidge
as Jim Crossman
Bert Freed
as Herron, a Man in Alley Mob
Reed Hadley
as Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
Brian Keith
as Man in Mob Behind Courthouse (uncredited)
Karl Malden
as Det. Lt. White (uncredited)
Arthur Miller
as Line-Up Suspect
Crew
Director
- Elia Kazan
Writer
- Fulton Oursler
Producer
- Louis De Rochemont
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Boomerang! 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 Elia Kazan 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 1947, 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 Boomerang! took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 119 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1947, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Boomerang! shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike 10 to Midnight, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Boomerang! subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Zatoichi on the Road and Beyond the Law explore similar territory, Boomerang! stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: February 28, 1947
- Runtime: 1h 28m
