Cast
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Barbara Stanwyck
as Leona Cotterell Stevenson
Burt Lancaster
as Henry Stevenson
Ann Richards
as Sally Hunt Lord
Wendell Corey
as Dr. Philip Alexander
Harold Vermilyea
as Waldo Evans
Ed Begley
as James 'J.B.' Cotterell
Leif Erickson
as Fred Lord
William Conrad
as Morano
John Bromfield
as Joe (Detective)
Jimmy Hunt
as Peter Lord
Dorothy Neumann
as Elizabeth Jennings
Paul Fierro
as Harpootlian
Joyce Compton
as Cotterell's Blonde Girlfriend (uncredited)
Yola d'Avril
as Leona's Maid (uncredited)
Holmes Herbert
as Wilkins (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Anatole Litvak
Producer
- Hal B. Wallis
- Anatole Litvak
Reviews
SWITCH.
'Sorry, Wrong Number' isn't a film that leaves a strong lasting impression, but its narrative and visual inventiveness and a thoroughly engaging plot make it an enjoyable journey into 40s film noir. If anything, you leave it with a great appreciation for Lucille Fletcher's devilishly simple premise, one that certainly isn't dulled by the transition from radio to cinema.
- Daniel Lammin
Read Daniel's full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-sorry-wrong-number-an-inventive-slice-of-1940s-film-noir
May 27, 2020
SWITCH.
'Sorry, Wrong Number' isn't a film that leaves a strong lasting impression, but its narrative and visual inventiveness and a thoroughly engaging plot make it an enjoyable journey into 40s film noir. If anything, you leave it with a great appreciation for Lucille Fletcher's devilishly simple premise, one that certainly isn't dulled by the transition from radio to cinema.
- Daniel Lammin
Read Daniel's full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-sorry-wrong-number-an-inventive-slice-of-1940s-film-noir
May 27, 2020
Thematic Analysis
Sorry, Wrong Number represents a fascinating example of Thriller/Mystery cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Anatole Litvak 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1948, 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 Sorry, Wrong Number took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 149 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 52 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1948, 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 Sorry, Wrong Number shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Night in Paradise, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Sorry, Wrong Number subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Vertigo and Caché explore similar territory, Sorry, Wrong Number 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: September 24, 1948
- Runtime: 1h 29m
