Cast
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Rex Harrison
as Matt Denant
Peggy Cummins
as Dora Winton
William Hartnell
as Inspector Harris
Norman Wooland
as Minister
Jill Esmond
as Grace Winton
Frederick Piper
as Brownie
Marjorie Rhodes
as Mrs. Pinkem
Betty Ann Davies
as Girl in Park
Cyril Cusack
as Rodgers
John Slater
as Salesman
Frank Pettingell
as Constable Beames
Michael Golden
as Detective Penter
Frederick Leister
as Judge
Patrick Troughton
as Jim
Crew
Director
- Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Writer
- Philip Dunne
Producer
- William Perlberg
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Poor old Rex Harrison ("Denant") is taking a stroll though a foggy park when he gets involved in a tragic contretemps with a prostitute and an undercover police officer. The ensuing fracas sees the officer fall to the ground where he bangs his head on the leg of a bench and dies. "Denant" stays put, owns up and throws himself on the mercy of the court - and a sentence of three years is his reward. He manages to escape, though, and with the help of a young girl "Dora" (Peggy Cummins) manages to lead the pursuing police - led by William Hartnell - a merry dance. I've got to say, though, that aside from the obvious criticism of the demonstrably inflexible justice system that penalised a man for an accident, I struggled to quite see the point of the rest of it. It has gently religious - or, perhaps more specifically Christian - undertones, and maybe that serves to illustrate that a system with some flaws is better than no system at all, but it doesn't resonate in a fashion that concludes in anything substantial. Perhaps that's the point - maybe we are too prone to look for definites where there are none to be had. It's decently paced - much of it takes place on the run - and there is the odd comic scene, too. Harrison and Hartnell do their jobs well enough without either really having to tax their resources, nor for that matter must we, watching.
Jul 9, 2022
Thematic Analysis
Escape represents a fascinating example of Thriller 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 Joseph L. Mankiewicz 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 Escape took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 78 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 112 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 243 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 32 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 6 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.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Escape shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Man Between, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Escape offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Unmoored and The Gambler and the Lady explore similar territory, Escape stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 1, 1948
- Runtime: 1h 18m
